LUTHER'S 

Smalt  Qatecklsm 

DEVELOPED  AND  EXPLAINED 


Qeneral  Synod  Edition 


8070 
.  LV2 
.  A3 
1893 


PHILADELPHIA 
THE  UNfrED  LUTHERAN   PUBLICATION   HOUSE 


JAN  17  1989 


'^'^^"O^OGICAL  SO*^"^*"   ' 


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LUTHER'S 


SMALL  CATECHISM 


DEVELOPED  AND  EXPLAINED 


GENERAL  SYNOD  EDITION 
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y^^H  OF  ?mcEro^ 

JAN  17  1989 
1$'fOiOGICALSE\**!^ 


PHMJ^DELPHIA 

THE    UNITED    LUTHERAN    PUBLICATION    HOUSE 


Copyright,   1893, 

BY 

The  Hymn-Book  Publishing  Committee 

OF    THE 

Generai,  Synod 

OF   THE 

Evangelical  Lutheran  Church   in  the  United  States 


MAOB  IM   TBB    UMITIO   STATU   Of    AMBUOA 


PREFACE 


The  very  form  of  a  Catechism  implies  that  questions 
are  to  be  asked  by  the  instructor  and  answers  given 
by  the  pupil,  that  there  is  to  be  committing  to  mem- 
ory and  reciting  of  that  which  is  so  committed. 
Luther,  in  his  preface  to  the  Catechism,  strongly  in- 
sists on  the  necessity  of  using  precisely  the  same  form 
of  words  and  going  over  them  again  and  again  until 
they  are  both  well  committed  to  memory  and  well 
understood. 

It  is  to  be  feared,  from  the  frequent  expression 
"Catechetical  Lectures,"  that  strict  and  proper  cate- 
chisation  has  been  somewhat  and  in  some  places  sup- 
planted by  "lectures,"  which  become  a  pouring-in 
process,  in  which  the  instructor  is  active  and  the 
pupil  passive.  Thus  the  real  interest  of  teaching  is 
lost,  and  the  result  is  unsatisfactory,  whether  we  con- 
sider the  heads  or  the  hearts  of  the  pupils.  He  is  no 
Catechist  who  merely  lectures  on  the  topics  presented 
by  the  Catechism. 

The  object  of  teaching  is  learning;  and  the  process 
is  double,  teacher  and  taught  each  having  his  part  to 
do,  and  neither  being  able  to  do  the  part  of  the  other. 
When,  therefore,  the  latter  is  attempted,  there  can  be 
only  failure. 

The  following  development  of  Luther's  Small  Cate- 
chism supplies  what  is  necessary  for  the  catechumen ; 
(iii) 


iv  PREFACE 

but  it  is  necessary  that  the  Catechist  study  the  sub- 
jects far  more  broadly  and  deeply  than  they  can  be 
set  forth  in  a  manual  intended  especially  for  the 
young.  Whilst  the  Catechumen  ordinarily  should  be 
expected  and  required  to  commit  and  recite  the  ari- 
swers  to  the  questions,  the  Catechist  should  fortify 
himself  with  explanations,  illustrations  and  proofs 
drawn  from  every  possible  quarter,  and  thereby  enrich 
and  enforce  the  teachings  of  the  book. 

After  criticisms  from  all  parts  of  the  Church,  and 
repeated  revisions  and  efforts  at  improvement  on  their 
part,  the  Committee  offer  their  work  to  the  Church 
with  no  little  confidence  of  its  being  at  least  a  close 
approach  to  that  which  has  long  been  needed.  By 
unanimous  vote  of  the  General  Synod  at  Canton,  O., 
it  is  now  published  for  use  in  the  churches,  that  its 
value  may  be  tested  by  practical  experience.  Any 
criticisms  that  may  arise  from  practical  use,  looking 
to  the  best  adaptation  of  the  work  to  the  Church's 
needs,  will  be  welcomed  by  the  Committee,  which 
still  exists  with  authority  to  report  whenever  they 
have  any  suggestions  justifying  changes. 

The  translation  of  Luther's  Catechism  proposed  by 
the  joint  committee,  approved  and  ordered  by  the 
General  Synod  to  be  printed  in  all  editions  of  the 
Catechism,  is  used  in  this  edition. 

May  He  who  is  The  Truth  be  made  known  and  hon- 
ored by  this  book. 

The  Committee. 


LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM 


PART  I. 
THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS. 

In  th^  plain  foryn  in  which  the  head  of  the  family  should  teach 
them  to  his  hoiisehold. 

I  AM  THE  Lord  thy  God, 
The  First  Commandment. 

Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image,  or 
any  Hkeness  of  anything  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that 
is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the 
earth ;  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to  them,  nor 
serve  them :  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God, 
visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children 
unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate 
me;  and  shewing  mercy  unto  thousands  of  them  that 
love  me,  and  keep  my  commandments. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  We  should  fear,  love  and  trust  in  God 
above  all  things. 

The  Second  Commandment. 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in 
vain;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that 
taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not 
curse,  swear,  conjure,  lie,  or  deceive  by  his  name,  but 
call  upon  his  name  in  every  time  of  need,  and  worship 
him  with  prayer,  praise  and  thanksgiving. 

(5) 


6  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

The  Third  Commandment. 

Remember  the  sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy. 

Six  days  shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all  thy  work;  but 
the  seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God ;  in 
it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy 
daughter,  thy  man  servant,  nor  thy  maid  servant,  nor 
thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates :  for 
in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea,  and 
all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day ;  where- 
fore the  Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath  day,  and  hallowed  it. 

M-^hat  is  meant  by  this? 

Anszvcr.  We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not 
despise  preaching  and  his  Word,  but  deem  it  holy  and 
gladly  hear  and  learn  it. 

The  Fourth  Commandment. 

Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  that  it  may  be  well 
with  thee,  and  thou  mayest  live  long  on  the  earth. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Ansivcr.  We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not  de- 
spise our  parents  and  superiors,  nor  provoke  them  to 
anger,  but  honor,  serve,  obey,  love  and  esteem  them. 

The  Fifth  Commandment. 

Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Anszver.  We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not  hurt 
nor  harm  our  neighbor  in  his  body,  but  help  and  be- 
friend him  in  every  bodily  need. 

The  Sixth  Commandment. 
Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  live 
chaste  and  pure  in  words  and  deeds,  and  husband  and 
wife  each  love  and  honor  the  other. 


THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS.  7 

The  Seventh   Comandment. 

Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not  take 
our  neighbor's  money  or  property,  nor  get  it  by  false 
wares  or  false  dealing,  but  help  him  to  improve  and 
protect  his  property  and  living. 

The  Eighth  Commandment. 

Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy  neighbor. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not 
falsely  belie,  betray,  backbite  nor  slander  our  neighbor, 
but  excuse  him,  speak  well  of  him,  and  put  the  best 
construction  on  all  he  does. 

The  Ninth   Commandment. 

Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Anszver.  We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not 
craftily  seek  to  gain  our  neighbor's  inheritance  or 
home,  nor  to  get  it  by  a  show  of  right,  but  help  and 
serve  him  in  keeping  it. 

The  Tenth   Commandment. 

Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his 
man  servant,  nor  his  maid  servant,  nor  his  cattle,  nor 
anything  that  is  his. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Anszver.  We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not 
estrange,  force  or  entice  away  from  our  neighbor  his 
wife,  servants  or  cattle,  but  urge  them  to  stay  and  do 
their  duty. 

What  does  God  say  of  all  these  commandments? 

Answer.  He  says :  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous 
God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  chil- 
dren unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that 


8  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

hate  me ;  and  shewing  mercy  unto  thousands  of  them 
that  love  me  and  keep  my  commandments. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  God  threatens  to  punish  all  who  transgress 
these  commandm*^  its,  therefore  we  should  fear  his 
wrath,  and  do  no  'ng  against  such  commandments.  But 
he  promises  grace  and  every  blessing  to  all  who  keep 
these  commandments ;  therefore,  we  should  love  and 
trust  in  him,  and  gladly  do  according  to  his  command- 
ments. 

PART  IL 
THE  CREED. 

In  the  plain  form  in  which  the  head  of  the  family  should  teach 
it  to  his  household. 

The  First  Article. 
Of  Creation. 
I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of 
heaven  and  earth. 

IV hat  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  I  believe  that  God  has  made  me,  together 
with  all  creatures ;  that  he  has  given  and  still  preserves 
to  me  my  body  and  soul,  eyes,  ears,  and  all  my  members, 
my  reason  and  all  my  senses ;  also  clothing  and  shoes, 
meat  and  drink,  house  and  home,  wife  and  child,  land, 
cattle  and  all  my  goods ;  that  he  richly  and  daily  pro- 
vides me  with  all  that  I  need  for  this  body  and  life,  pro- 
tects me  against  all  danger,  and  guards  and  keeps  me 
from  all  evil ;  and  all  this,  purely  out  of  fatherly,  divine 
mercy,  without  any  merit  or  worthiness  in  me ;  for  all 
which  I  am  in  duty  bound  to  thank  and  praise,  to  serve 
and  obey  him.  This  is  r»ost  certainly  true. 
The  Second  Article. 
Of  Redemption. 

And  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  Son,  our  Lord ;  who  was 
conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary ; 


THE  CREED.  9 

suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead  and 
buried ;  he  descended  into  hell,  the  third  day  he  rose 
again  from  the  dead ;  he  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sit- 
teth  on  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty; 
from  thence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the 
dead. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Anszver.  I  believe  that  Jesus  Christ,  true  God,  be- 
gotten of  the  Father  from  eternity,  and  also  true  man, 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  is  my  Lord ;  who  has  re- 
deemed me,  a  lost  and  condemned  creature,  purchased 
and  won  me  from  all  sins,  from  death,  and  from  the 
power  of  the  devil,  not  with  gold  or  silver,  but  with  his 
holy,  precious  blood,  and  with  his  innocent  sufferings 
and  death ;  in  order  that  I  might  be  his  own,  live  under 
him  in  his  kingdom,  and  serve  him  in  everlasting  right- 
eousness, innocence  and  blessedness,  even  as  he  is  risen 
from  the  dead,  lives  and  reigns  to  all  eternity.  This 
is  most  certainly  true. 

The  Third  Article. 

Of  Sanctification. 

I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  the  holy  Christian 
Church ;  the  communion  of  saints ;  the  forgiveness  of 
sins ;  the  Resurrection  of  the  body ;  and  the  life  ever- 
lasting.   Amen. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  I  believe  that  I  cannot  by  my  own  reason  or 
strength  believe  in  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord,  or  come  to 
him ;  but  the  Holy  Ghost  has  called  me  by  the  Gospel, 
enlightened  me  with  his  gifts,  and  sanctified  and  pre- 
served me  in  the  true  faith ;  even  as  he  calls,  gathers, 
enlightens,  and  sanctifies  the  whole  Christian  Church 
on  earth,  and  preserves  it  in  union  with  Jesus  Christ  in 
the  one  true  faith ;  in  which  Christian  Church  he  daily 
and  richly  forgives  me  and  all  believers  all  our  sins, 
and  at  the  last  day  will  raise  up  me  and  all  the  dead, 
and  will  grant  me  and  all  believers  in  Christ  everlast- 
ing life.    This  is  most  certainly  true. 


lA  \ 


10  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHLSM. 

PART   IIL 
THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

In  the  plain  form  in  which  the  head  of  the  family  should  teach 
it  to  his  household. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven. 

What  is  »ieant  by  this? 

Answer.  God  would  hereby  tenderly  invite  us  to  be- 
lieve that  he  is  truly  our  Father,  and  we  are  truly  his 
children,  so  that  we  may  ask  of  him  with  all  cheerful- 
ness and  confidence,  as  dear  children  ask  of  their  dear 
father.  , 

The  First  Petition. 

Hallowed  be  Thy  name. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Ansiuer.  The  name  of  God  is  indeed  holy  in  itself ; 
but  we  pray  in  this  petition  that  it  may  be  hallowed 
also  among  us. 

Hew  is  this  done? 

Answer.  When  the  word  of  God  is  taught  in  its 
truth  and  purity,  and  we,  as  the  children  of  God,  lead 
holy  lives,  in  accordance  with  it ;  this  grant  us,  dear 
Father  in  heaven !  But  he  that  teaches  and  lives  other- 
wise than  the  word  of  God  teaches,  profanes  the  name 
of  God  among  us ;  from  this  preserve  us,  Heavenly 
Father ! 

The  Second  Petition. 

:^  -  Thy  kingdom  come. 

hat  is  meant  by  this? 

Anszver.  The  kingdom  of  God  comes  indeed  of  it- 
self, without  our  prayer,  but  we  pray  in  this  petvtion 
that  it  may  come  also  to  us. 

How  is  this  done? 

Anszver.  When  our  Heavenly  Father  gives  us  his 
Holy  Spirit,  so  that  by  his  grace  we  believe  his  holy 
word,  and  live  godly  here  in  time,  and  in  heaven  forever. 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.  11 

The  Third  Petition. 

Thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  The  good  and  gracious  will  of  God  is  done 
indeed  without  our  prajer ;  but  we  pray  in  this  petition 
that  it  may  be  done  also  among  us. 

Hew  is  this  done? 

Anszver.  When  God  defeats  and  hinders  every  evil 
counsel  and  purpose,  which  would  not  let  us  hallow 
God's  name  nor  let  his  kingdom  come,  such  as  the  will 
of  the  devil,  the  world,  and  our  own  flesh ;  but 
strengthens  and  keeps  us  steadfast  in  his  word  and  in 
faith  unto  our  end.    This  is  his  gracious  and  good  will. 

The  Fourth  Petition. 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  God  gives  daily  bread  indeed  without  our 
prayer  even  to  all  the  wicked;  but  we  pray  in  this 
petition  that  he  would  lead  us  to  acknowledge  and 
receive  our  daily  bread  with  thanksgiving. 

What  is  meant  by  daily  bread? 

Answer.  All  that  belongs  to  the  wants  and  support 
of  the  body,  such  as  meat,  drink,  clothing,  shoes,  house, 
home,  land,  cattle,  money,  goods,  a  pious  spouse,  pious 
children,  pious  servants,  pious  and  faithful  rulers,  good 
government,  good  weather,  peace,  health,  order,  honor, 
good  friends,  trusty  neighbors  and  the  like. 

The  Fifth  Petition. 

And  forgive  us  our  trespasses  as  we  forgive  those 
who  trespass  against  us. 

What  is  meant  by  *his? 

Anszver.  We  pray  in  this  petition  that  our  Father 
in  heaven  would  not  look  upon  our  sins,  nor,  on  account 
of  them,  deny  our  prayer ;  for  we  are  not  worthy  of 


12  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

anything  we  ask,  neither  have  we  deserved  it ;  but  that 
he  would  grant  us  all  through  grace ;  for  we  sin  much 
every  day,  and  deserve  nothing  but  punishment.  And 
we  on  our  part  heartily  forgive  and  readily  do  good  to 
those  who  sin  against  us. 

The  Sixth  Petition. 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 

What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  God  indeed  tempts  no  one,  but  we  pray  in 
this  petition  that  God  would  guard  and  keep  us,  that 
the  devil,  the  world  and  our  flesh  may  not  deceive  us, 
nor  lead  us  into  misbelief,  despair  and  other  shameful 
sin  and  vice ;  and,  though  we  be  thus  tempted,  that  we 
may  still  in  the  end  overcome,  and  hold  the  victory. 

The  Seventh  Petition. 

But  deliver  us  from  evil. 
What  is  meant  by  this? 

Anszvcr.  We  pray  in  this  petition,  as  the  sum  of  all, 
that  our  Father  in  heaven  would  deliver  us  from  all 
manner  of  evil — in  body  and  soul,  property  and  honor 
— and  at  last,  when  the  hour  of  death  shall  come,  grant 
us  a  blessed  end,  and  graciously  take  us  from  this  vale 
of  sorrow  to  himself  in  heaven. 

[For  thine  is  the  kingdom  and  the  power  and  the 
glory  for  ever  and  ever.] 

Amen. 
What  is  meant  by  this? 

Answer.  That  I  should  be  sure  that  these  petitions 
are  acceptable  to  our  Father  in  heaven,  and  are  heard 
by  him;  for  he  himself  has  commanded  us  so  to  pray, 
and  has  promised  to  hear  us.  Amen,  Amen,  that  is, 
Yea,  Yea ;  it  shall  be  so. 


BAPTISM.  13 

PART  IV. 
THE  SACRAMENT  OF  HOLY  BAPTISM. 

In  the  plain  form  in  which  the  head  of  the  family  shcnild  teach 
it  to  his  household. 

I.  What  is  Baptism? 

Answer.  Baptism  is  not  simply  water,  but  it  is  the 
water  comprehended  in  God's  command,  and  connected 
with  God's  word. 

What  is  the  word  of  God? 

Answer.  That  which  Christ  our  Lord  says  in  the 
last  chapter  of  Matthew :  "Go  ye  and  teach  all  nations, 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father  and  of  the 
Son  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 

//.   What  benefits  does  Baptism  confer? 

Anszver.  It  works  forgiveness  of  sins,  delivers  from 
death  and  the  devil,  and  gives  everlasting  salvation  to 
all  who  believe  what  the  words  and  promises  of  God 
declare. 

Which  are  those  words  and  promises  of  God? 

Anszver.  Those  which  Christ  our  Lord  says  in  the 
last  chapter  of  Mark:  "He  that  believeth  and  is  bap- 
tized shall  be  savedj  but  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be 
damned." 

III.  Hoiv  can  water  do  such  great  things? 

Answer.  It  is  not  water  indeed  that  does  it,  but  the 
word  of  God,  which  is  in  and  with  the  water,  and  faith 
which  trusts  this  word  of  God  in  the  water.  For  with- 
out the  word  of  God,  the  water  is  simply  water,  and  no 
baptism.  But  with  the  word  of  God,  it  is  a  baptism, 
that  is,  a  gracious  water  of  life  and  a  washing  of  re- 
generation in  the  Holy  Ghost;  as  St.  Paul  says,  Titus 
iii.  5-8 :  "According  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the 
washing  of  regeneration  and  rertewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  which  he  shed  on  us  abundantly  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Saviour;  that  being  justified  by  his  grace, 
we  should  be  made  heirs  according  to  the  hope  of 
eternal  life.    This  is  a  faithful  saying." 


14  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

IV.    What  docs  such  baptizing  with  water  signify? 

Anszccr.  It  signifies  that  the  old  Adam  in  us  should, 
by  daily  sorrow  and  repentance,  be  drowned  and  die, 
with  all  sins  and  evil  lusts ;  and  again  a  new  man  daily 
come  forth  and  arise,  who  shall  live  before  God  in 
righteousness  and  purity  forever. 

Where  is  this  written? 

Anszver.  St.  Paul  says,  Rom.  vi.  4 :  "We  are  buried 
with  Christ  by  baptism  into  death  ;  that  like  as  he  was 
raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father, 
even  so  we  also  should  walk  in  newness  of  life." 


PART  V. 
THE  SACRAMENT  OF  THE  ALTAR. 

In  the  plain  form  in  which  the  head  of  the  family  should  teach 
it  to  his  household. 

What  is  the  Sacrament  of  the  Altar? 

Answer.  It  is  the  true  body  and  blood  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  under  the  bread  and  wine,  instituted  by 
Christ  himself  for  us  Christians  to  eat  and  to  drink. 

Where  is  this  zvritten? 

Anszver.  The  holy  Evangelists,  Matthew,  Mark, 
and  Luke,  together  with  St.  Paul,  write  thus : 

"Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  night  in  which  he 
was  betrayed,  took  bread ;  and  when  he  had  given 
thanks,  he  brake  it  and  gave  it  to  his  disciples,  saying, 
Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body,  which  is  given  for  you ;  this 
do  in  remembrance  of  me. 

"After  the  same  manner,  also,  when  he  had  supped, 
he  took  the  cup,  and  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he  gave 
it  to  them,  saying.  Drink  ye  all  of  it;  this  cup  is  the 
New  Testament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you, 
and  for  many,  for  the  remission  of  sins ;  this  do,  as  oft 
as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me." 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  15 

Of  what  is  such  eating  and  drinking? 

Answer.  It  is  shown  us  by  these  words :  "Given  and 
shed  for  you,  for  the  remission  of  sins;"  namely,  that 
in  the  sacrament  forgiveness  of  sins,  life  and  salvation 
are  given  us  through  these  words.  For  where  there  is 
forgiveness  of  sins,  there  is  also  life  and  salvation. 

How  can  bodily  eating  and  drinking  do  such  great  things? 

Answer.  It  is  not  the  eating  and  drinking,  indeed, 
that  does  it,  but  the  words  which  stand  here:  "Given 
and  shed  for  you,  for  the  remission  of  sins."  These 
words,  together  with  the  bodily  eating  and  drinking, 
are  the  chief  thing  in  the  sacrament;  and  he  that  be- 
lieves these  words  has  what  they  say  and  mean,  namely, 
the  forgiveness  of  sins. 

IVho  then  receives  this  sacrament  worthily? 

Answer.  Fasting  and  bodily  preparation  are  indeed 
a  good  outward  discipline ;  but  he  is  truly  worthy  and 
well  prepared  who  has  faith  in  these  words :  "Given 
and  shed  for  you,  for  the  remission  of  sins."  But  he 
who  believes  not  these  words,  or  doubts,  is  unworthy 
and  unprepared ;  for  the  words,  for  you,  require  truly 
believing  hearts. 


"Hlnb  tfjefife  fcDorbsi,  tDfjict)  3]  comtnanb  tfjce  ti)i^ 
bap,  fiiftall  be  in  tfjinc  Ijcart: 

"Hnb  tfjou  gftalt  tcacfj  tfjcin  biligentlp  unto  tljp 
cfjilbren,  anb  sifjalt  talk  of  tfjcm  tofjcn  tfjou  gittegt 
in  tfjinc  (joujBfe,  anb  tofjcn  tfjoa  toalkcfit  bp  tijc 
toap,  anb  tofjcn  tfjou  litst  boton.  anb  hjfjcn  tfjou 
ris^esit  up.**—Dcut.  vi.  6,  7. 


INTRODUCTION. 


1.  What  is  the  first  doctrine  of  religion  ? 

The  doctrine  concerning  God  is  the  first 
doctrine  of  religion. 

2.  Do  you  believe  in  God? 

I  believe  in  God. 

8.  How  does  God  make  Himsi'lf  known  to  us? 

God  makes  Himself  known  to  us  partly 
through  His  works,  mainly  through  His  word. 

4.  What  is  the  word  of  God  7 

The  Bible  is  the  Word  of  God. 

6.  Throuph  whom  did  God  give  the  Bible? 

The  Old  Testament  was  given  through  the 
prophets,  and  the  New  Testament  through  the 
evangelists  and  apostles. 

6.  How  is  their  word  the  word  of  God  ? 

Their  word  is  the  word  of  God  because  they 
were  inspired  by  the  Holy  Spirit. 

7.  What  is  meant  by  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Spirit? 

By  the  insjiiration  of  the  Holy  Sjiirit  is 
meant  that  the  writers  of  the  Bible  wrote  as 
they  were  moved  and  guided  by  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

(17) 


18  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHLSM. 

8.  Into  what  two  parts  in  the  Bible  divided? 

The  Bible  is  divided  into  the  Old  Testament 
and  the  New  Testament. 

9.  How  many  books  are  in  the  Old  Testament  ? 

There  are  thirty-nine  books  in  the  Old  Tes- 
tament. 

10.  How  many  books  are  in  the  New  Testament? 

There  are  twenty-seven  books  in  the  New 
Testament. 

11.  How  are  the  books  of  the  Old  Testament  divided? 

The  books  of  the  Old  Testament  are  divided 
into : 

(1)  The  five  books  of  Moses,  also  called  the 
Pentateuch;  namely,  Genesis,  Exodus,  Leviti- 
cus, Numbers,  and  Deuteronomy. 

(2)  The  other  historical  books;  namely, 
Joshua,  Judges,  Ruth.  First  and  Second  Sam- 
uel, First  and  Second  Kings,  First  and  Second 
Chronicles,  Ezra,  Nehemiah,  and  Esther. 

(3)  The  poetical  books  ;  namely.  Job,  Psalms, 
Proverbs,  Ecclesiastes  or  the  Preacher,  and  the 
Song  of  Solomon. 

(4)  The  prophetical  books,  which  are  divided 
into  the  major  prophets ;  namely,  Isaiah,  Jere- 
miah (including  Lamentations),  Ezekiel,  and 
Daniel ;  and  the  minor  prophets ;  namely, 
Hosea,  Joel,  Amos,  Obadiah,  Jonah,  Micah, 
Nahum,  Habakkuk,  Zephaniah,  Haggai,  Zech- 
ariah,  and  Malachi. 

12.  How  are  the  books   of  the  New  Testament  divided? 

The  books  of  the  New  Testament  are  divided 
into : 


INTRODUCTION.  19 

(1)  The  historical  books;  namely,  the  four 
gospels,  Matthew,  Mark,  Luke  and  John,  and 
the  Acts  of  the  Apostles. 

(2)  The  doctrinal  books;  namely,  the  four- 
teen epistles  of  St.  Paul  (Romans,  1st  and  2d 
Corinthians,  Galatians,  Ephesians,  Philippians, 
Colossians,  1st  and  2d  Thessalonians,  1st  and  2d 
Timothy,  Titus,  Philemon,  and  Hebrews),  the 
seven  general  epistles  (James,  1st  and  2d  Peter^ 
1st,  2d,  and  3d  epistles  of  John,  and  Jude). 

(3)  The  prophetical  book;  namely,  the  Rev- 
elation of  St.  John. 

13.  How  else  is  God's  word  divided? 

God's  word  is  divided  into  the  law  and  the 
gospel. 

14.  What  is  meant  by  the  law? 

By  the  law  is  meant  that  which  tells  me  what 
I  ought  to  do  and  what  I  ought  not  to  do. 

15.  What  is  meant  by  the  gospel? 

By  the  gospel  is  meant  that  which  offers 
God's  grace  to  me  in  Jesus  Christ. 

16.  What  is  our  Catechism? 

Our  Catechism  is  a  short  summary,  in  ques- 
tions and  answers,  of  what  God's  word  teaches 
concerning  faith  and  Hfe. 

17. •  What  are  the  five  principal  parts  of  the  Catechism  ? 

The  five  principal  parts  of  the  Catechism  are, 
the  Ten  Commandments,  the  Apostles'  Creed, 
the  Lord's  Prayer,  Baptism,  and  the  Lord's 
Supper. 


PART  I. 


THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS. 

18.  How  many  kinds  of  law  are  given  in  the  Old  Testament  ? 

Three  kinds  of  law  are  given  in  the  Old  Tes- 
tament, the  civil,  the  ceremonial,  and  the  moral 
law. 

19.  What  is  the  civil  law? 

The  civil  law  is  that  law  which  God  gave  to 
the  Israelites  for  their  government  as  a  nation. 

20.  What  is  the  ceremonial  law? 

The  ceremonial  law  is  that  law  which  God 
gave  to  the  Israelites  for  the  regulation  of  their 
worship. 

21.  What  is  the  moral  law? 

The  moral  law  is  that  law  which  sets  forth 
our  duties  to  God  and  man,  as  briefly  compre- 
hended in  the  ten  commandments. 

22.  Are  these  three  kinds  of  law  binding  on  all  men  ? 

No;  the  moral  law  alone  is  binding  oi;  all 
men. 

23.  Through  whom  did  God  give  the  ten  commandments  ? 

God  gave  the  ten  commandments  through 
His  servant  Moses. 

(20) 


THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS.  21 

24.  How  were  the  ten  commandments  given? 

The  ten  commandments  were  spoken  by  God 
from  Mt.  Sinai,  and  afterwards  were  written  by 
Him  on  two  tables  of  stone. 

Ex.  XX,  1 :  And  God  spake  all  these  words,  saying,. 
Ex.  xxiv,  12.  Ex.  xxxi.  18 :  And  he  gave  unto  Moses, 
when  he  had  made  an  end  of  communing  with  him 
upon  mount  Sinai,  two  tables  of  testimony,  tables  of 
stone,  written  with  the  finger  of  God.  Ex.  xxxiv.  1,  28.. 

25.  What  duties  do  these  tables  teach? 

The  first  table  of  the  law  teaches  our  duties 
toward  God,  and  the  second,  our  duties  toward 
man. 

26.  What  is  our  Saviour's  explanation  of  the  law? 

Our  Saviour  says :  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  first 
and  great  commandment.  And  the  second  is 
like  unto  it.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as 
thyself.  On  these  two  commandments  hang 
all  the  law  and  the  prophets. 
Matt.  xxii.  36-40. 

27.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law  ? 

St.  Paul  says,  Love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law.. 
Rom.  xiii.  10. 

28.  What  is  the  introduction  to  the  ten  commandments? 

The  introduction  to  the  ten  commandments 
is :  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  have  brought 
thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  house 
of  bondage. 

Ex.  XX.  2. 


22  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

29.  What  does  this  introduction  teach? 

This  introduction  teaches  that  God,  the  only 
true  and  living  God,  declares  His  holy  author- 
ity and  His  redeeming  mercy,  that  we  may 
keep  His  commandments  not  only  from  fear 
but  also  from  love. 

Is.  xli.  10,  xliv.  8,  xlv.  5,  6,  21,  22,  Hi.  7;  Jer.  ix.  24; 
Ps.  xcv.  6,  7. 

30.  What  is  the  relation  of  this  introduction  to  the  com- 
mandments ? 

This  introduction  is  the  ground  of  obedience 
to  all  the  commandments. 

Note.  For  this  reason  the  explanation  of  each  of  the  com- 
mandments begins  with  "We  should  fear  and  love  God  and" 
etc 


t 


THE  FIRST  TABLE. 


THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT. 

31.  What  is  the  first  commandment? 

(I  AM  THE  Lord  thy  God.) 

Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 
Tliou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven 
image,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in 
heaven  above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath 
or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth:  thou 
shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to  them,  nor  serve 
them:  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous 
God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon 
the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  genera- 
tion of  them  that  hate  me :  and  showing  mercy 
unto  thousands  of  them  that  love  me,  and  keep 
my  commandments. 

32.  What  is  meant  by  the  first  commandment? 

The  first  commandment  means,  We  should 
fear,  love,  and  trust  in  God  above  all  things. 

33.  When  do  we  fear  God? 

We  fear  God  when  we  obey  Him  with  filial 
reverence  and  dread  His  wrath  against  sin. 

Deut.  xiii.  4:    Ye  shall  walk  after  the  Lord  your 

God,  and  fear  him,  and  keep  his  commandments,  and 

obey  his   voice,   and   ye   shall   serve  him,   and   cleave 

unto  him.    Matt.  x.  28 :    And  fear  not  them  which  kill 

(23) 


24  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

the  body,  but  are  not  able  to  kill  the  soul ;  but  rather 
fear  him  which  is  able  to  destroy  both  soul  and  body 
in  hell. 

34.  When  do  we  love  God? 

We  love  God  when  our  chief  delight  is  in 
God  and  the  things  of  God  and  we  seek  to 
please  Him  only. 

Ps.  xviii.  1 :  I  will  love  thee,  O  Lord,  my  strength. 
Ps.  Ixxiii.  25,  26:  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee? 
and  there  is  none  upon  earth  that  I  desire  beside  thee. 
My  flesh  and  my  heart  f aileth :  but  God  is  the  strength 
of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  for  ever. 

35.  On  what  does  our  love  to  God  depend? 

Our  love  to  God  depends  on  God's  love  to  us. 
1  John  iv.  19 :    We  love  him,  because  he  first  loved 


36.  When  do  we  trust  in  God? 

We  trust  in  God  when  we  commit  to  Him 
all  our  interests  for  time  and  eternity,  believing 
that  He  will  make  all  things  work  together  for 
good  to  them  that  love  Him. 

Prov.  iii.  5 :  Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thine  heart ; 
and  lean  not  unto  thine  own  understanding.  Ps. 
Ivii.  L 

37.  When  do  we  fear,  love  and  trust  in  God  above  all  things  7 

We  fear,  love  and  trust  in  God  above  all 
things,  when  we  give  Him  the  first  place  in 
our  hearts,  lives  and  worship. 

Matt.  iv.  10:  Then  saith  Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee 
hence,  Satan :  for  it  is  written,  Thou  shalt  worship  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve. 


THE  COMMANDMENTS.  25 

38.  What  does  the  first  commandment  forbid? 

The  first  commandment  forbids  idolatry. 

39.  What  is  idolatry? 

Idolatry  is  ( 1 )  To  worship  any  thing  that  is 
not  God,  as  the  sun,  stars,  images,  and  the 
like. 

(2)  To  fear,  love  or  trust  in  any  person  or 
thing  more  than  in  God. 

Is.  xlii.  8 :  I  am  the  Lord  :  that  is  my  name :  and 
my  glory  will  I  not  give  to  another,  neither  my  praise 
to  graven  images.  Col.  iii.  5 :  Mortify  therefore  your 
members  which  are  upon  the  earth ;  fornication,  un- 
cleanness,  inordinate  affection,  evil  concupiscence, 
and  covetousness,  which  is  idolatry.  Matt.  x.  37 :  He 
that  loveth  father  or  mother  more  than  me  is  not  wor- 
thy of  me :  and  he  that  loveth  son  or  daughter  more 
than  me  is  not  worthy  of  me.  See  1  John  ii.  15-17; 
Phil.  iii.  18,  19;  Ps.  xlix.  6,  7;  1  Tim.  vi.  17-19;  Ps. 
XX.  7 ;  Ps.  xliv.  6 ;  Isa.  xlvii.  10 ;  Ps.  liii. ;  Isa.  xxx. 
1-3;  Jer.  xvii.  5-8. 

THE  SECOND  COMMANDMENT. 

40.  What  is  the  second  commandment? 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  in  vain;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold 
him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

41.  What  is  meant  by  the  second  commandment? 

We  should  fear  and  love  God  and  not  curse, 
swear,  conjure,  lie  or  deceive  by  His  name; 
but  call  upon  His  name  in  every  time  of  need, 
and  worship  Him  with  prayer,  praise  and 
thanksgiving. 


26  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

42.  What  is  meant  by  the  name  of  God? 

By  the  name  of  God  is  meant  everything  by 
which  God  makes  Himself  known  to  us  : 

(1)  His  names  and  titles. 
Ex.  vi.  3 ;  Deut.  xxviii.  58. 

(2)  His  attributes. 
Exod.  xxxiv.  5-7. 

(3)  His  word  and  His  ordinances. 

43.  What  is  it  to  curse  by  the  name  of  God? 

To  curse  by  the  name  of  God  is  to  call  down, 
upon  ourselves  or  others,  judgments  from  God. 

James  iii.  8-10:  But  the  tongue  can  no  man  tame; 
it  is  an  unruly  evil,  full  of  deadly  poison.  Therewith 
bless  we  God,  even  the  Father ;  and  therewith  curse 
we  men,  which  are  made  after  the  similitude  of  God. 
Out  of  the  same  mouth  proceedeth  blessing  and  curs- 
ing. My  brethren,  these  things  ought  not  so  to  be. 
Rom.  xii.  14. 

44.  What  is  it  to  swear  by  the  name  of  God? 

To  swear  by  the  name  of  God  is  to  call  upon 
God  to  witness  the  truth  of  what  we  say. 

Note.  Swearing  is  of  two  kinds — judicial  oaths,  or  such  as 
are  demanded  and  administered  by  a  proper  ofificer;  and  volun- 
tary oaths,  or  such  as  are  not  thus  demanded  and  administered, 
but  uttered  from  choice,  habit,  or  passion. 

4.5.   What  oaths  are  justifiable? 

Judicial  oaths  are  justifiable. 

Deut.  vi.  13:  Thou  shalt  fear  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  serve  him,  and  shalt  swear  bv  his  name.  Deut.  x. 
20;  Is.  Ixv.  16;  Matt.  xxvi.  63,  64. 


THE  COMMANDMENTS.  27 

46.  What  swearing  is  a  violation  of  this  commandment? 

(1)  Perjury  or  false  witness. 

Levit.  xix.  12;  Zech.  viii.  16,  17  (Zech.  v.  1-4). 

(2)  x-\ll   profanity  and  thoughtless   use   of 
God's  name. 

(Some  common  thoughtless  ways  of  this  are  the  ex- 
pressions "God  knows,"  "As  sure  as  God  lives,"  "God 
is  my  witness,"  etc.) 

James  v.  12:  But  above  all  things,  my  brethren, 
swear  not,  neither  by  heaven,  neither  by  the  earth, 
neither  by  any  other  oath :  but  let  your  yea  be  yea ; 
and  your  nay,  nay;  lest  ye  fall  into  condemnation. 

47.  What  is  it  to  conjure? 

To  conjure  is  to  try  to  discover  by  divination 
and  magic  what  God  has  concealed  from  us. 

Deut.  xviii.  9-14,  xxix.  29 ;  1  Sam.  xxviii.  7-19 ; 
Dan.  ii.  27-29:  Acts  xvi.  16,  xix.  13-19. 


48.  What  is  it  to  lie  and  deceive  by  the  name  of  God? 

To  lie  and  deceive  by  the  name  of  God  is  to 
use  His  name  or  His  word  hypocritically. 

Hos.  x.  4;  Zech.  v.  3,  4;  Matt,  xxiii.  13,  14;  2  Pet. 
ii.  1-3. 

49.  What  is  required  by  the  second  commandment? 

The  second  commandment  requires : 

( 1 )  Reverence  and  holy  fear  when  we  make 
use  of  the  names  of  God,  His  attributes,  His 
word  and  His  ordinances. 


28  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATFXHISM. 

Ex.  xxxiv.  6-8;  Ps.  cxi.  9:  Holy  and  reverend  is  his 
name.  Matt.  vi.  9 :  Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven, 
Hallowed  be  thy  name ;  Matt,  xxiii.  20-22 ;  Lev.  xix. 
30 :  Ye  shall  keep  my  sabbaths,  and  reverence  my 
sanctuary:   I  am  the  Lord. 

(2)  That  we  call  upon  Him  in  every  time  of 
need,  and  worship  Him  with  prayer,  praise, 
and  thanksgiving. 

Ps.  1.  14,  15:  Offer  unto  God  thanksgiving;  and  pay 
thy  vows  unto  the  most  High:  And  call  upon  me  in 
the  day  of  trouble:  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt 
glorify  me. 

50.  What  warning  is  added  to  the  second  commandment? 

To  the  second  commandment  the  warning  is 
added,  For  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guilt- 
less that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

51.  What  is  the  meaning  of  these  words? 

The  Lord  will  most  certainly  punish  those 
who  take  His  name  in  vain. 

See  Lev.  xxiv.  15,  16;  Ezek.  xvii.  11-21;  Acts  v. 
1-11,  viii.  13-23;  xiii.  8-11. 

THE  THIRD  COMMANDMENT. 

52.  What  is  the  third  commandment? 

Remember  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy. 
Six  days  shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all  thy 
work;  but  the  seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  of 
the  Lord  thy  God;  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any 
work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter, 
thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor 
thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy 
gates;  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven 


THE  COMMANDMENTS.  29 

and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is, 
and  rested  the  seventh  day;  wherefore  the 
Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath  day,  and  hallowed 
it. 

53.  What  is  meant  by  the  third  commandment  ? 

We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not 
despise  preaching  and  His  word,  but  deem  it 
holy,  and  gladly  hear  and  learn  it. 

54.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  term  Sabbath  day? 

Sabbath  means   rest;  and  the   Sabbath  day 
means  the  day  of  rest. 
Ex.  XXXV,  2 ;  Heb.  iv.  9. 

55.  When  was  the  Sabbath  instituted? 

The  Sabbath  was  instituted  at  the  close  of 
the  sixth  day  of  creation. 
Gen.  ii.  1-3. 

56.  What  day  was  originally  appointed  as  the  Sabbath? 

God  originally  appointed  the  seventh  day  of 
the  week  as  the  Sabbath. 

57.  Why  do  we  now  keep  the  first  day  of  the  week,  or  Sun- 
day? 

We  keep  the  first  day  of  the  week,  or  Sun- 
day: 

(1)  Because  Jesus  arose  on  this  day. 
Matt,  xxviii.  1-7. 

(2)  Because  on  this  day  Jesus  frequently  ap- 
peared to  His  disciples  after  His  resurrection. 

Matt,  xxviii.  8-10;  Mk.  xvi.  9-14;  Lk.  xxiv.  13-49; 
John  XX.  19-29. 

(3)  Because  on  this  day  the  Holy  Spirit  was 


30  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

poured  out  on  the  apostles  (the  day  of  Pente- 
cost). 
^          (4)   Because  the  apostles  kept  this  day  for 
worship ;  and,  being  inspired,  the}'  must  have 
known  their  Lord's  will. 
Acts  ii.  1-41 ;  1  Cor.  xvi.  1,  2;  Rev.  i.  9-11. 

58.  By  what  other   name  is  the  Christian   Sabbath  known  ? 

The  Christian  Sabbath  is  known  as  the 
Lord's  day. 

Rev.  i.  10:    I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  day. 

59.  What  does   the   word  holy  signify? 

The  word  holy  signifies:    (1)  Set  apart  from 
a  comnion  to  a  sacred  use. 
Ex.  XXX.  Zl  \  Num.  viii.  17. 
(2)  Moral  purity,  or  freedom  from  sin. 

1  Pet.  i.  15,  16:  But  as  he  which  hath  called  you  is 
holy,  so  be  ye  holy  in  all  manner  of  conversation; 
Because  it  is  written.  Be  ye  holy;  for  I  am  holy. 

60.  What  is  meant  by  keeping  the  Sabbath  holy? 

We  keep  the  Sabbath  holy  when  we  set  apart 
the  day  to  the  word  and  worship  of  God,  and 
Christian  service  of  our  fellowmen,  and  rest 
from  worldly  labor. 

Matt.  xii.  1-13;  Mk.  iii.  1-5;  Lk.  xiv.  1-6. 

61.  When  do  we  despise  God's  word  and  the  preaching  of 
the  gospel  ? 

We  despise  God's  word  and  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel,  when  we  neglect  to  read  and  hear 
'Y-  it,  or  habitually  stay  away  from  public  wor- 
ship. 


THE  COMMANDMENTS.  31 

Heb.  X.  23 :  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  our- 
selves together,  as  the  manner  of  some  is. 

62.  How  did  the  early  Christians  observe  the  Lord's  day? 

The  early  Christians,  on  the  Lord's  day,  as- 
sembled for  worship,  heard  God's  word,  cele- 
brated the  Lord's  Supper,  and  gave  offerings 
for  the  Lord's  service  and  people. 

Acts  ii.  42:  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the 
apostles'  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of 
bread,  and  in  prayers.  Acts  xx.  7.  1  Cor.  xvi.  2: 
Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you 
lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God  hath  prospered  him,  that 
there  be  no  gatherings  when  I  come. 

63.  How  is  the  Lord's  day  profaned? 

The  Lord's  day  is  profaned  by  unnecessary 
labor,  and  also  by  worldly  pleasures  and  deeds. 

64.  What  works  may  be  done  on  the  Lord's  day? 

Works  of  necessity  and  of  mercy  may  be 
done  on  the  Lord's  day. 

Lk.  xiii.  15;  Mk.  ii.  23-26  (Matt.  xii.  10-13;  John 
V.  5-9). 

65.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  words,  Wherefore  the  Lord 
blessed  the  Sabbath  day,  and  hallowed  it? 

These  words  assure  us  that  God  instituted 
the  Sabbath  as  a  blessing  to  man. 

Mk.  ii.  27 :   The  Sabbath  was  made  for  man. 


THE  SECOND  TABLE. 


THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 

66.  What  is  the  fourth  commandment  ? 

Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  that  it 
may  he  well  with  thee,  and  thou  mayest  live 
long  or  ♦^he  ^arth. 

67.  What  Is  meant  by  the  fourth  commandment? 

We  should  fear  and  love  God  and  not  despise 
our  parents  and  superiors,  nor  provoke  them  to 
anger,  but  honor,  serve,  obey,  love,  and  esteem 
them. 

68.  Who  are  meant  by  our  superiors? 

Our  superiors  are  those  who  are  lawfully 
placed  ov^r  us,  and  those  who  by  age,  wisdom 
or  piety  are  fitted  to  counsel  us. 

Rom.  xiii.  1 :  Let  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the 
higher  powers.  For  there  is  no  power  but  of  God: 
the  powers  that  be  are  ordained  of  God. 

69.  When  do  we  despise  or  displease  our  parents  ? 

We  despise  or  displease  our  parents  when 
we  think  lightly  of  them  and  treat  them  with 
contempt,  or  disregard  their  wishes  and  com- 
mands. 

Deut.  xxvii.  16:  Cursed  be  he  that  setteth  light  by 
his  father  or  his  mother. 

70.  How  do  we  honor  our  parents? 

We  honor  our  parents : 
(32) 


THE  COMMANDMENTS.  33 

( 1 )  By  yielding  them  constant  and  cheerful 
obedience. 

Eph.  vi.  1 :  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord : 
for  this  is  right.    Col.  iii.  20. 

(2)  By  loving  them,  and  ministering  to  their 
wants,  especially  in  sickness  and  old  age. 

1  Tim.  V.  3,  4.  Honour  widows  that  are  widows 
indeed.  But  if  any  widow  have  children  or  nephews, 
let  them  learn  first  to  shew  piety  at  home,  and  to  re- 
quite their  parents:  for  that  is  good  and  acceptable 
before  God.     Prov.  xxiii.  22;  Matt.  xv.  1-6. 

(3)  By  taking  heed  to  their  counsel,  experi- 
ence and  godly  example. 

Prov.  i.  8,  9:  My  son,  hear  the  instruction  of  thy 
father,  and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy  mother:  for 
they  shall  be  an  ornament  of  grace  unto  thy  head,  and 
chains  about  thy  neck.  Prov.  vi.  20-23,  vii.  1-3;  Heb. 
xii.  9. 

(4)  If  they  are  ungodly,  by  affectionately 
seeking  to  bring  them  to  God. 

71.  What  are  the  duties  of  parents  towards  their  children  ? 

The  duties  of  parents  toward  their  children 
are: 

(1)  To  insist  on  implicit  obedience.  (2)  To 
set  them  a  Christian  example.  (3)  To  provide 
for  their  wants,  temporal  and  spiritual.  (4) 
To  worship  God  in  the  family. 

72.  What  example  has  Christ  left  us  respecting  this  com- 
mandment ? 

Christ  left  us  the  example  of  H*s  cheerful 
submission  to  His  parents. 
Luke  ii,  51,  52. 


34  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

73.  What  shows  the  great   importance  of  the  fourth   com- 
mandment? 

The  fourth  commandment  is  the  foundation 
of  all  government  and  authority,  in  the  family, 
in  the  school,  in  the  church,  and  in  the  state. 

74.  What  must  we  do,  if  our  parents  and  superiors  require 
us  to  act  contrary  to  the  commandments  of  God? 

We  must  say  with  the  apostles.  We  ought  to 
obey  God  rather  than  men. 

Ex.  i.  17;  Dan.  iii.,  vi.,  Acts  iv.  19,  v.  29. 

75.  What  promise  is  added  to  the  fourth  commandment? 

The  fourth  commandment  has  the  promise. 
That  thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the  land 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

Eph.  vi.  1-3. 

THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 

76.  What  is  the  fifth  commandment? 

Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

77.  What  is  meant  by  the  fifth  commandment? 

We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not 
hurt  nor  harm  our  neighbor  in  his  body, 
but  help  and  befriend  him  in  every  bodily 
need. 

78.  How  is  the  fifth  commandment  broken? 

The  fifth  commandment  is  broken: 

(1)  By  maliciously  taking  the  Hfe  of  another. 
Gen.  ix"  6;  Num.  xxxv.  20,  21   (Gen.  iv.  8;  Num. 

XXXV.  9-21). 

(2)  By  maliciously  using  our  influence  and 
authority  to  secure  the  death  of  others. 


THE  COMMANDMENTS.  35 

Acts  vii.  52;  Jezebel  and  Naboth  1  Kings  xxi.  7-14; 
King  David  and  Uriah,  2  Sam.  xi.  14-17,  and  xii.  1-14; 
the  officers  of  King  Darius  and  Daniel,  Dan.  vi.  4-1/ ; 
Herodias  and  John  Baptist,  Mark  vi.  18-28;  the  chief 
priests  the  scribes,  Judas  and  Christ,  Luke  xxii.  1;6; 
and  47,  48 ;  Haman,  Mordecai,  and  the  Jews,  Est.  ni. ; 
Herod'and  the  child  Jesus,  Matt.  ii.  1-16.  ^ 

(3)  By  influencing  others  to  form  habits  that^ 
ruin  health  and  shorten  life. 

Hab.  ii.  15  (Prov.  xxiii.  28-32). 

(4)  Bv  harboring  malice  or  revenge. 

1  John  iii.  15;  Gen.  xxvii.  41 ;  Jer.  xviij.  18;  Matt. 
V.  21.  22;  James  iii.  14-16;  Rom.  xii.  18,  19;  Eph.  iv. 
31,  32  (Joseph's  brethren.  Gen.  xxxvii.  1-28). 

(5)  By  taking  one's  own  life. 
Matt,  xxvii.  3-5. 

79.  In  what  ways  may  life  be  taken  without  breaking  the 
fifth  commandment?  rru 

Life  may  be  taken  without  breaking  the  fifth 
commandment :  ..^^^^ 

(1)  In  self -defense.  Q^f\^^^A' -''' 
Ex.  xxn.  2,  3.  ^/^     jV  ,     .>^ 

(2)  In  the  public  defense. 

(3)  In  executing  a  judicial  sentence. 
Gen.  ix.  6 ;  Rom.  xiii.  4.     .,- 

(4)  By  unavoidable  accident. 

Num.  XXXV.  22-25 ;  Deut.  xix.  4-6.  ^  -/ 

80.  What  does  God  require  for  wilful  murder? 

God  requires  the  death  of  the  murderer. 

Gen  ix.  6:  Whoso  sheddeth -man's  blood,  by  man 
shall  his  blood  be  shed:  for  in' the  image  of  God  made 
he  man.  Exod.  xxi.  12-14;  Matt.  xxvi.  5Z;  Rev.  xni. 
10. 


36  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

81.  What  does  the  fifth  commandment  require? 

The  fifth  commandment  requires  us  to  assist 
and  comfort  our  neighbor  in  danger  and  want. 

Eph.  iv.  32:  And  be  ye  kind  one  to  another,  tender- 
hearted, forgiving  one  another,  even  as  God  for 
Christ's  sake^  hath  for:.iven  you.  1  John  iii,  16: 
Hereby  perceive  we  the  love  of  God,  because  he  laid 
down  his  life  for  us:  and  ^ 'e  ought  to  lay  down  our 
lives  lor  the  brethren.  Lev.  xxv.  35-43,  and  47-49 ; 
Xom.  ^-^.  19,  20 ;  Matt.  v.  44,  45 ;  Col.  iii.  12,  13 ;  Isa. 
Iviii.  6,  7.  (The  good  Samaritan,  Luke  x.  30-37.) 
V Hospitals,  Orphans'  Homes,  etc.) 

THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT. 

82.  What  is  the  sixth  commandment? 

Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

83.  What  is  meant  by  the  sixth  commandment? 

We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  live  chaste 
and  pure  in  words  and  deeds,  and  husband  and 
wife  each  love  and  honor  the  other. 

84.  What  is  marriage? 

Marriage  is  God's  ordinance  in  which  a  man 
and  a  woman  covenant  to  live  together  in  love 
and  faithfulness  until  separated  by  death. 

Matt,  xix,  5,  6:  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave 
his  father  and  mother,  and  shall  cleave  to  his  wife :  and 
they  twain  shall  be  one  flesh.  Wherefore  they  are  no 
more  twain,  but  one  flesh.  What  therefore  God  hath 
joined  together  let  not  man  put  asunder. 

85.  When  was  marriage  instituted? 

Marriage  was  instituted  by  God  at  the  crea- 
tion of  our  first  parents. 
Gen.  ii.  18,  21-24. 


THE  COMMANDMENTS.  Z7 

86.  What  does  the  sixth  commandment  forbid? 

The  sixth  commandment  forbids  adultery^ 
and  all  kinds  of  impure  thoughts,  words,  and 
acts. 

Eph.  V.  3,  4:  But  fornication,  and  all  uncleanness, 
or  covetousness,  let  it  not  be  once  named  among  you, 
as  becometh  saints ;  Neither  filthiness,  nor  foolish 
talking,  nor  jesting,  which  are  not  convenient;  but 
rather  giving  of  thanks.    Matt.  v.  28. 

87.  How  should  we  guard  against  what  this  commandment 
forbids  ? 

We  should  watch  and  pray  against  every- 
thing that  kindles  impure  desires. 

88.  What,  for  instance,  kindles  impure  desires? 

Gluttony,  drunkenness,  idleness,  bad  com- 
pany, indecent  books  and  pictures  kindle  im- 
pure desires. 

1  Cor.  XV.  Z2) :  Be  not  deceived :  evil  communica- 
tions corrupt  good  manners.  Lk.  xxi.  34:  And  take 
heed  to  yourselves,  lest  at  any  time  your  hearts  be 
overcharged  with  surfeiting,  and  drunkenness.  Gal. 
V.  19-21. 

89.  What  does  the  sixth  commandment  require? 

The  sixth  commandment  requires  us  to  cul- 
tivate pure  thoughts,  pure  words,  and  pure 
deeds. 

Matt.  V.  8 :  Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart :  for  they 
shall  see  God. 

THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT. 

90.  What  is  the  seventh  commandment? 

Thou  shalt  not  steal; 


38  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

91.  What  is  meant  by  the  seventh  commandment? 

We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not 
take  our  neighbor's  money  or  property,  nor 
get  it  by  false  wares  or  false  dealing,  but 
help  him  to  improve  and  protect  his  property 
and  living. 

92.  How  is  the  seventh  commandment  broken? 

The  seventh  commandment  is  broken : 

(1)  By  theft  or  dishonesty. 

(2)  By  unfair  dealing  or  fraud,  by  which  an- 
other's property  is  brought  into  our  possession 
without  his  consent  or  a  just  equivalent. 

93.  May  every  one  do  what  he  pleases  with  his  possessions  ? 

No;  for  we  are  stewards  of  God's  gifts,  to 
use  our  means  and  influence  for  the  extension 
of  His  kingdom. 

1  Pet.  iv.  10:  As  every  man  hath  received  the  gift, 
even  so  minister  the  same  one  to  another,  as  good 
stewards  of  the  manifold  grace  of  God. 

94.  What  does  the  seventh  commandment  require? 

The  seventh  commandment  requires  us : 

(1)  To  labor  honestly  for  our  own  support. 

2  Thes.  iii.  10-12 :  For  even  when  we  were  with  you, 
this  we  commanded  you,  that  if  any  would  not  work, 
neither  should  he  eat.  For  we  hear  that  there  are 
some  which  walk  among  you  disorderly,  working  not 
at  all,  but  are  busybodies.  Now  them  that  are  such 
we  command  and  exhort  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
that  with  quietness  they  work,  and  eat  their  own 
bread. 

(2)  To  pay  honest  wages  for  labor. 


THE  COMMANDMENTS.  39 

James  v.  4:  Behold,  the  hire  of  the  labourers  who 
have  reaped  down  your  fields,  which  is  of  you  kept 
back  by  fraud,  crieth :  and  the  cries  of  them  which 
have  reaped  are  entered  into  the  ears  of  the  Lord  of 
sabaoth. 

(3)  To  aid  our  neighbor  to  improve  and  pro- 
tect his  property. 

Phil.  ii.  4:  Look  not  every  man  on  his  own  things, 
but  every  man  also  on  the  things  of  others.  Prov.  xxx. 
8,  9;  1  Tim.  vi.  6-8;  Heb.  xiii.  5;  1  John  iii.  16-18; 
Luke  X.  2,  xix.  8;  Matt.  v.  42;  1  Tim.  vi.  17-19. 
(Deut.  xxii.  1-4;  Exod.  xxiii.  4,  5,  8,  9;  John  vi.  5-12.) 

Abraham  restoring  the  recovered  spoils  to  the  king 
of  Sodom,  Gen.  xiv.  See  also  1  Sam.  xxx.  Ruth 
gleaning  in  the  field  of  Boaz,  Ruth  ii. 

(4)  To  give  of  our  means  for  the  support  and 
extension  of  the  Church  at  home  and  abroad. 

Mai.  iii.  8:  Will  a  man  rob  God?  Yet  ye  have 
robbed  me.  But  ye  say,  Wherein  have  we  robbed 
thee?     In  tithes  and  offerings. 

95.  Repeat  some  of  the  blessings  that  are  promised  to  those 
who  keep  the  seventh  commandment? 

Luke  vi.  34,  35,  and  xii.  33,  34:  And  if  ye  lend  to 
them  of  whom  ye  hope  to  receive,  what  thank  have 
ye?  for  sinners  also  lend  to  sinners,  to  receive  as 
much  again.  But  love  ye  your  enemies,  and  do  good, 
and  lend,  hoping  for  nothing  again ;  and  your  reward 
shall  be  great,  and  ye  shall  be  the  children  of  the 
Highest:  for  he  is  kind  unto  the  unthankful  and  to 
the  evil.  Sell  that  ye  have,  and  give  alms ;  provide 
yourselves  bags  which  wax  not  old,  a  treasure  in  the 
heavens  that  faileth  not,  where  no  thief  approacheth, 
neither  moth  corrupteth.  For  where  your  treasure  is, 
there  will  your  heart  be  also.  Prov.  xix.  17;  Heb. 
xiii.  16  (Psalm  xli.  1-3,  and  cxii.  5-10).  (Abraham  giv- 
ing Lot  the  choice  of  the  country,  Gen.  xiii.) 


40  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT. 

96.  What  is  the  eighth  commandment? 

Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy 
neighbor. 

97.  What  is  meant  by  the  eighth  commandment? 

We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not 
falsely  belie,  betray,  backbite  nor  slander 
our  neighbor,  but  excuse  him,  speak  well  of 
him,  and  put  the  best  construction  on  all  he 
does. 

98.  Give  some  texts  against  belying,  betrayinq:,  slandering, 
and  raising  injurious  reports  against  our  neighbor? 

Against  be-lying. 

Eph.  iv.  25 :  Wherefore  putting  away  lying,  speak 
every  man  truth  with  his  neighbor :  for  we  are  mem- 
bers one  of  another.    Col.  iii.  9,  10. 

Against  betraying. 

Ps.  xxviii.  3:  Draw  me  not  away  with  the  wicked, 
and  with  the  workers  of  iniquity,  which  speak  peace 
to  their  neighbors,  but  mischief  is  in  their  hearts. 
Prov.  XXV.  9,  and  xi.  13 ;  Luke  xxii.  48.  Judas  be- 
traying Jesus,  Luke  xxii.  1-6,  and  Mark  xiv.  43-46; 
Delilah  betraying  Samson,  Judges  xvi.  4-2L 

Against  slandering. 

James  iv.  11  :  Speak  not  evil  one  of  another,  breth- 
ren. He  that  speaketh  evil  of  his  brother,  and  judgcth 
his  brother,  speaketh  evil  of  the  law,  and  judgeth  the 
law:  but  if  thou  judge  the  law,  thou  are  not  a  doer  of 
the  law,  but  a  judge.  Ps.  1 :  19,  20 ;  Eph.  iv.  31 ;  1  Pet. 
ii.  1  ;  Lev.  xix.  16;  Tit.  iii.  2;  Ps.  xli.  5,  6;  Prov.  xxvi. 
22. 

Against  raising  injurious  reports. 

Ps.  XV.  1-3:  Lord,  who  shall  abide  in  thy  tabernacle? 


THE  COMMANDMENTS.  41 

who  shall  dwell  in  thy  holy  hill?  He  that  walketh 
uprightly,  and  worketh  righteousness,  and  speaketh 
the  truth  in  his  heart.  He  that  backbiteth  not  with 
his  tongue,  nor  doeth  evil  to  his  neighbor,  nor  taketh 
up  a  reproach  against  his  neighbor.  Exod.  xxiii.  1 : 
Thou  shalt  not  raise  a  false  report;  put  not  thine  hand 
with  the  wicked  to  be  an  unrighteous  witness. 

99.  What  does  the  eighth  commandment  require? 

The  eighth  commandment  requires  that  we 
speak  the  truth  concerning  our  neighbor,  in 
love. 

100.  What  are  some  of  the  most  important  passages  of  the 
Bible  on  guarding  and  governing  the  tongue? 

Ps.  xxxiv.  13 :  Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and  thy 
lips  from  speaking  guile.  Ps.  xxxix.  1 :  I  said,  I  will 
take  heed  to  my  ways,  that  I  sin  not  with  my  tongue. 
I  will  keep  my  mouth  with  a  bridle,  while  the  wicked 
is  before  me.  James  i.  26:  If  any  man  among  you 
seem  to  be  religious,  and  bridleth  not  his  tongue,  but 
deceiveth  his  own  heart,  this  man's  religion  is  vain. 
(James  iii.  1-12.) 

THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT. 

101.  What  is  the  ninth  commandment? 

Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house. 

102.  What  is  meant  by  the  ninth  commandment? 

We  should  fear  and  love  God.  and  not 
craftily  seek  to  gain  our  neighbor's  inherit- 
ance or  home,  nor  to  get  it  by  a  show  of 
right,  but  help  and  serve  him  in  keeping 
it. 

103.  What  does  the  ninth  commandment  forbid? 

The  ninth  commandment  forbids  sinful 
desires  for  our  neighbor's  inheritance  or 
home. 


42  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISAl. 

Lk.  vii.  15:  And  he  said  unto  them,  Take  heed,  and 
beware  of  covetousness ;  for  a  man's  hfe  consisteth 
not  in  the  abundance  of  the  things  which  he  possess- 
eth. 

104.  What   does   the  ninth   commandment  require? 

The  ninth  commandment  requires  us  so  to 
love  our  neighhor  as  to  assist  and  serve  him  in 
the  preservation  of  his  own. 

THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT. 

105.  What  is  the  tenth  commandment? 

Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's 
wife,  nor  his  man  servant,  nor  his  maid 
servant,  nor  his  cattle,  nor  anything  that  is 
his. 

106.  What   is  meant  by  the  tenth  commandment? 

We  should  fear  and  love  God,  and  not  es- 
trange, force  or  entice  away  from  our  neigh- 
bor his  wife,  servants  or  cattle,  but  urge  them 
to  stay  and  do  their  duty. 

107.  What  does  the  tenth   commandment  forbid? 

The  tenth  commandment  forbids  evil  de- 
signs upon  our  neighbor's  family  or  prop- 
erty. 

Rom.  vii.  7,  xiii.  14;  1  John  ii.  16. 

Illustrations. — Achan,  Josh.  vii.  1-26;  David  and  Uriah,  2. 
Sam.  xi.  2-17;  Ahab  and  Naboth's  vineyard,  1   Kings  xxi.  1-16. 

108.  What  does  the  tenth  commandment  require? 

The  tenth  commandment  requires  us  so  to 
love  our  neighbor  as  to  help  him  maintain  the 
happiness  and  prosperity  of  his  household. 


THE  COMMANDAIENTS.  43 

109.  What  says  the  Lord  God  of  all  these  commandments  ? 

He  says :  I  the  Lord  thy  God,  am  a  jealous 
God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon 
the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  genera- 
tion of  them  that  hate  me ;  and  shewing  mercy 
unto  thousands  of  them  that  love  me  and  keep 
my  commandments. 

110.  What  is  the  meaning  of  this  declaration? 

God  threatens  to  punish  all  who  transgress 
these  commandments,  therefore  we  should 
fear  His  wrath,  and  do  nothing  against  such 
commandments.  But  He  promises  grace  and 
every  blessing  to  all  who  keep  these  command- 
ments ;  therefore,  we  should  love  and  trust  in 
Him,  and  gladly  do  according  to  His  com- 
mandments. 

111.  Have  we  kept  God's  commandments? 

No;  we  all  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of 
the  glory  of  God. 

Eccles.  vii.  20:  For  there  is  not  a  just  man  upon 
earth,  that  doeth  good,  and  sinneth  not.  Mk.  x.  18: 
There  is  none  good  but  one,  that  is,  God. 

112.  What  do  we  need  in  order  that  we  may  keep  the  com- 
mandments of  God? 

To  keep  the  commandments  of  God,  we 
need  a  new  heart. 

Ps.  li.  10 :  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God ;  and 
renew  a  right  spirit  within  me. 

113.  Where,  in  our  Catechism,  do  we  learn  of  the  new  heart  ? 

We  learn  of  the  new  heart  in  the  Creed. 


PART  II, 


THE   CREED,   OR  THE  ARTICLES   OF 
THE  CHRISTIAN  FAITH. 

114.  What  is  a  creed? 

A  creed  is  a  short  statement  of  doctrines  be- 
lieved and  confessed. 

115.  Why  is  the  creed  in  our  Catechism  called  the  Apostles' 
Creed  ? 

It  is  called  the  Apostles'  Creed  because  it 
contains  a  summary  of  what  the  Apostles  be- 
lieved and  taught. 

116.  Into  what  articles  is  the  Apostles'  Creed  divided? 

The  Apostles'  Creed  is  divided  into  three 
articles,  of  Creation,  of  Redemption,  and  of 
Sanctification. 

THE  FIRST  ARTICLE  OF  THE  CREED. 

117.  Of  what  does  the  first  article  of  the  Creed  treat? 

The  first  article  of  the  Creed  treats  of  Crea- 
tion. 

118.  Rehearse  it? 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  almighty.  Maker 
of  heaven  and  earth. 

119.  What  is  meant  by  this  ? 

I  believe  that  God  has  made  me,  together 
with  all  creatures ;  that  He  has  given  and  still 
(44) 


THE  CREED.  45 

preserves  to  me  my  body  and  soul,  eyes,  ears, 
and  all  my  members,  my  reason  and  all  my 
senses ;  also  clothing  and  shoes,  meat  and 
drink,  house  and  home,  wife  and  child,  land, 
cattle  and  all  my  goods ;  that  He  richly  and 
daily  provides  me  with  all  that  I  need  for  this 
body  and  life,  protects  me  against  all  danger, 
and  guards  and  keeps  me  from  all  evil ;  and  all 
this,  purely  out  of  fatherly,  divine  goodness  and 
mercy,  without  any  merit  or  worthiness  in  me ; 
for  all  which  I  am  in  duty  bound  to  thank 
and  praise,  to  serve  and  obey  Him.  This  is 
most  certainly  true. 

THE  DOCTRINE  CONCERNING  GOD. 

120.  What  is  God? 

God  is  a  spirit,  uncreated  and  perfect. 

John  iv.  24 :  God  is  a  Spirit :  and  they  that  worship 
him  must  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  2  Cor. 
iii.  17. 

121.  Can  we  see  God? 

No ;  here  we  cannot  see  God. 

John  i.  18 :  No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time ;  the 
only  begotten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bosom  of  the 
Father,  he  hath  declared  him.    1  Tim.  i.  17,  vi.  16. 

THE  UNITY  AND  TRINITY  OF  GOD. 

122.  Are  there  more  Gods  than  one? 

No ;  there  is  but  one  God. 

Mark  xii.  29 :  And  Jesus  answered  him,  The  first  of 
all  the  commandments  is,  Hear,  O  Israel ;  the  Lord 
our  God  is  one  Lord.     (Ps.  cxxxv.  15-18;  Deut.  vi.  4.) 


46  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

123.  How  is  the  one  God  called? 

The  one  God  is  called  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost. 

Matt,  xxviii.  19 :  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  na- 
tions, baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.    2  Cor.  xiii.  14. 

124.  Are  not  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  three  Gods? 

No;  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost  are  three 
persons,  and  these  three  persons  are  one  God. 

Note.  The  doctrine  that  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  are 
one  God,  is  called  the  doctrine  of  the  unity  of  God.  The  doc- 
trine of  three  persons  in  one  God  is  called  the  doctrine  of  the 
Holy  Trinity.     God  is  therefore  called  the  triune  God. 

125.  How  is  the  Holy  Trinity  set  forth  in  the  Creed? 

The  first  article  of  the  Creed  sets  forth  God 
the  Father ;  the  second,  God  the  Son ;  and  the 
third,  God  the  Holy  Ghost. 

126.  How  do  you  briefly  confess  your  faith  in  the  triune  God? 

I  believe  in  the  triune  God :  in  God  the 
Father,  who  created  me;  in  God  the  Son,  who 
redeemed  me;  in  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  who 
sanctifies  me ; — my  one  God  and  Lord. 

THE  ATTRIBUTES  OF  GOD. 

127.  What  do  you  mean  by  an  attribute  of  God? 

Any  quality  or  perfection  that  belongs  to 
God  and  is  essential  to  His  nature,  we  call  an 
attribute  of  God. 

128.  What  are  some  of  the  attributes  of  God? 

Some  of  God's  attributes  are  self-existence, 
eternity,  omnipotence,  omnipresence,  omni- 
science, wisdom,  love,  justice,  holiness,  truth, 
unchangeableness,  blessedness. 


THE  CREED.  47 

Note.  Give  the  attributes  taught  in  each  of  the  following 
texts.  Ps.  cxlvii.  5;  Jer.  xxxii.  17-19,  x.  10;  Deut.  xxxn.  4;  1 
Tim.  i.  17,  vi.  16;  2  Pet.  iii.  8-10;  Rev.  xv.  3,  4,  xix,  1,  2;  Jer. 
x.   12. 

129.  Who  created  all  things? 

In   the   beginning   God   created   the   heaven 
and  the  earth. 
Gen.  i.  1. 

130.  What  is  here  meant  by  heaven  and  earth? 

Heaven  and  earth  means  the  whole  universe. 
Exod.  XX.  11. 

131.  Of  what  did  God  create  all  things? 

Through  faith  we  understand  that  the  worlds 
were  framed  by  the  word  of  God,  so  that 
things  which  are  seen  were  not  made  of  things 
which  do  appear. 

Heb.  xi.  3. 

132.  How  may  the  works  of  creation  be  divided? 

The  works  of  creation  may  be  divided  into 
things  visible  and  things  invisible. 
Col.  i.  16. 

133.  What  do  the  Scriptures  set  forth  as  the  chief  of  the 
works  of  Creation  ? 

The  Scriptures  set  forth  the  angels  as  the 
chief  of  God's  invisible  works ;  and  man  as  the 
chief  of  His  visible  works. 

Ps.  ciii.  20:  1  Thes.  iv.  16;  Gen.  i.  26-28,  and  ix. 
1-13  (2  Thes.  i.  6-10;  Ps.  viii.) 

THE  ANGELS. 

134.  What  are  the  angels  7 

The  angels  are  created  spirits. 


48  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

135.  How  many  kinds  of  angels  are  there? 

There  are  two  kinds  of  angels' — good  and 
evil. 

136.  Who  are  the  good  angels  ? 

The  good  angels  are  holy  and  happy  spirits. 
Matt.  XXV.  31 ;  Lk.  xv.  10. 

137.  What  is  the  employment  of  the  good  angels? 

The  good  angels  worship  God,  fulfill  His 
commands,  and  minister  to  the  righteous. 

Heb.  i.  14:  Are  they  not  all  ministering  spirits,  sent 
forth  to  minister  for  them  who  shall  be  heirs  of  salva- 
tion? Ps.  ciii.  20,  21;  Rev.  vii.  11,  12;  Ps.  xxxiv.  7; 
Matt,  xviii.  10  (Matt.  iv.  11;  Luke  xxii.  39-43;  Matt, 
xxviii.  1-7;  Acts  i.  9-11,  x.  1-8,  xii.  10). 

138.  Who  are  the  evil  angels  ? 

The   evil   angels    are   unholy   and   unhappy 
spirits,  sometimes  called  devils  or  demons. 
Matt.  viii.  29;  Lk.  viii.  29;  James  ii.  19. 

139.  Whence  came  the  evil  angels? 

Many  good  angels  fell  from  their  original 
holiness  and  thus  became  evil  spirits. 

Jude  6:  And  the  angels  which  kept  not  their  first 
estate,  but  left  their  own  habitation,  he  hath  reserved 
in  everlasting  chains  under  darkness  unto  the  judg- 
ment of  the  great  day.    2  Pet.  ii.  4. 

140.  Who  is  the  chief  of  the  evil  angels? 

The  chief  of  the  evil  angels  is  called  Beelze- 
bub, Satan,  the  devil,  the  great  dragon,  the  old 
serpent,  and  the  god  of  this  world. 


THE  CREED.  49 

141.  What  is  the  employment  of  the  evil  angels? 

The  evil  angels  oppose  the  will  of  God,  and 
tempt  men  to  evil. 

1  Pet.  V.  8 :  Be  sober,  be  vigilant ;  because  your  ad- 
versary the  devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  vvalketh  about,, 
seeking  whom  he  may  devour.  Eph.  ii.  1,  2;  2  Cor. 
iv.  3,  4;  Luke  viii.  12;  1  Thess.  iii.  5;  Eph.  vi.  10-12. 
(Matt.  iv.  1-11;  Luke  xiii.  11-17;  Rev.  ii,  8-11.) 

MAN. 

142.  How  many  human  beings  did  God  first  create? 

God    at    first    created    two    human    beings^ 
Adam  and  Eve. 
Gen.  v.  1,  2. 

143.  Of  what  parts  does  man  consist? 

Man  consists  of  a  body  and  a  soul. 
Eccles.  xii.  7;  Matt.  x.  28. 

144.  Out  of  what  did  God  create  the  body  of  the  first  man?" 

The  Lord  God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of  the 
ground. 
Gen.  ii.  7. 

145.  How  did  God  give  man  a  soul  ? 

God  breathed  into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of 
life,  and  man  became  a  living  soul. 
Gen.  ii.  7. 

146.  What  was  the  state  of  man's  body  at  the  first? 

Alan's  body  at  its  creation  was  holy,  beauti-  ^- 
ful  and  immortal. 

147.  What  is  the  soul  of  man? 

The  soul  of  man  is  a  created  spirit  able  to 
know,  to  feel,  and  to  will. 


50  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

PROVIDENCE. 

148.  Can  the  universe  which  God  created  uphold  itself? 

No;  as  God  created  all  things,  so  He  must 
preserve  and  govern  them. 
John  V.  17. 

149.  What  is  the  providence  of  God? 

God's  providence  in  His  preserving  and  gov- 
erning care  for  all  His  creatures. 

Ps.  xxxvi.  6 :  O  Lord,  thou  preservest  man  and 
beast.  Dan.  iv.  35 :  And  he  doeth  according  to  his 
will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  earth ;  and  none  can  stay  his  hand,  or  say 
unto  him,  What  doest  thou?  Job  vii.  20;  Neh.  ix.  6; 
Ps.  cxxxv.  6,  7 ;  Ps.  Ixvi.  7 ;  Ps.  ciii.  19 ;  Is.  xlvi.  3,  4. 

150.  What  is  the  purpose  of  God's  providence? 

The  purpose  of  God's  providence  is  the  per- 
fection and  happiness  of  His  creatures. 

Ps.  cxlv.  9 :  The  Lord  is  good  to  all :  and  his  tender 
mercies  are  over  all  his  works.  Rom.  viii.  28 :  And 
we  know  that  all  things  work  together  for  good  to 
them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are  the  called  ac- 
cording to  his  purpose.    Ps.  xcvii.  1,  2  (Ps.  Ixxiii). 

151.  What  effect  should  God's  loving  providence  have  on 
you? 

God's  loving  providence  should  lead  me  to 
thank,  praise,  serve  and  obey  Him. 

Phil.  iv.  (i,1  \  Be  careful  for  nothing ;  but  in  every- 
thing by  prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving 
let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God.  And  the 
peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  understanding,  shall 
keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus.  1 
Pet.  v.  7 :  Casting  all  your  care  upon  him ;  for  he  car- 
€th  for  you.     (Matt.  vi.  25-34;  Ps.  xxiii.) 


THE  CREED.  51 

THE   DOCTRINE   CONCERNING  MAN. 

THE  STATE  OF  INNOCENCE. 

152.  What  was  man's  original  state? 

Man's  original  state  was  a  state  of  innocence. 

153.  In  whose  likeness  did  God  create  him  ? 

God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  after 
His  own  likeness. 

Gen.  i.  26,  27:  And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in 
our  image,  after  our  likeness:  and  let  them  have  do- 
minion over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl  of 
the  air,  and  over  the  cattle,  and  over  all  the  earth,  and 
over  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the 
earth.  So  God  created  man  in  his  ovini  image,  in  the 
image  of  God  created  he  him;  male  and  female 
created  he  them. 

154.  In  what  did  the  image  or  likeness  of  God  consist? 

_  The  image  of  God  consisted  in  knowledge, 
righteousness,  and  true  holiness. 

Col.  iii.  10:  And  have  put  on  the  new  man,  which 
is  renewed  in  knowledge  after  the  image  of  him  that 
created  him.  Eph.  iv.  24:  And  that  ye  put  on  the 
new  man,  which  after  God  is  created  in  righteousness 
and  true  holiness.    Gen.  i.  28,  29,  and  ii.  15-18. 

155.  What  blessedness  belonged  to  man  in  his  state  of  inno- 
cence? 

In  his  State  of  innocence  man  had  no  sin  nor 
any  misery  either  of  body  or  of  soul. 
Gen.  i.  31. 

THE  STATE  OF  SIN,  OR  SIN  AND  ITS  CONSEQUENCES. 

156.  Did  man  continue  innocent? 

No;  man  did  not  continue  innocent,  but 
sinned,  and  fell  from  God. 


52  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

157.  In  what  did  the  fall  of  man  consist  ? 

The  fall  of  man  consisted  in  this,  that,  yield- 
ing to  the  temptation  of  the  devil,  he  distrusted 
and  disobeyed  God. 

158.  By  what  outward  act  did  Adam  and  Eve  manifest  their 
disobedience  to  God  ? 

Adam  and  Eve  manifested  their  disobedience 
to  God  by  eating  of  the  tree  of  which  God  had 
commanded  them  not  to  eat. 

Gen.  ii.  16,  17;  iii.  6. 

159.  What  consequences  of  the  fall  of  our  first  parents 
came  upon  all  men  ? 

By  the  fall  of  our  first  parents  sin  and  death 
came  upon  all  men. 

Rom.  V.  12 :  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin  entered 
into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin;  and  so  death  passed 
upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned. 

160.  What  is  now  our  state  by  nature? 

Our  state  by  nature  now  is  a  state  of  sin  and 
misery. 

Ps.  11.  5:  Behold,  I  was  shapen  in  iniquity;  and  in 
sin  did  my  mother  conceive  me. 

161.  What  is  sin? 

Sin  is  everything  that  is  contrary  to  the  vnll 
of  God. 

1  John  v.  17 :  All  unrighteousness  is  sin.  1  John  iii. 
4:  Whosoever  committeth  sin  transgresseth  also  the 
law :   for  sin  is  the  transgression  of  the  law. 

162.  What  is  original  sin? 

Original  sin  is  the  inborn  depravity  of  our 


THE  CREED.  53 

nature,  which  renders  us  unable  to  do  good, 
and  inclines  us  to  evil. 

Ps.  xiv.  2,  3 :  The  Lord  looked  down  from  heaven 
upon  the  children  of  men,  to  see  if  there  were  any 
that  did  understand,  and  seek  God.  They  are  all 
gone  aside,  they  are  altogether  become  filthy :  there  is 
none  that  doeth  good,  no  not  one,  Eccles.  vii.  20: 
For  there  is  not  a  just  man  upon  earth,  that  doeth 
good  and  sinneth  not.  Rom.  vii.  21 :  I  find  then  a 
law,  that,  when  I  would  do  good,  evil  is  present  with 
me. 

163.  Why  is  it  called  original  sin? 

Original  sin  is  so  called  because  we  inherit  it 
from  our  first  parents. 

164.  What  is  actual  sin? 

Actual  sin  is  every  omission  to  do  good,  and 
every  commission  of  evil,  whether  by  thoughts 
and  desires,  or  by  looks,  words  and  deeds. 

Ps.  xix.  11 :  Who  can  understand  his  errors?  cleanse 
thou  me  from  secret  faults.  James  iii.  2 :  For  in  many 
things  we  all  offend.  If  any  man  offend  not  in  word, 
the  same  is  a  perfect  man,  and  able  also  to  bridle  the 
whole  body.  James  iv.  17:  Therefore  to  him  that 
knoweth  to  do  good,  and  doeth  it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin. 
Ps.  xxxix.  1,  xl.  12;  Mk.  vii.  21-23;  2  Cor.  v.  10. 

165.  What  connection  is  there  between  original  and  actual 
sin? 

Original  sin  is  the  seed  and  root  out  of  which 
all  actual  sins  grow. 

166.  How  do  you  know  that  you  are  a  sinner? 

The  holy  commandments  of  God  and  my 
conscience  condemn  me  as  a  sinner. 


54  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

167.  What  are  the  consequences  of  sin  ? 

The  consequences  of  sin  are  the  wrath  and 
displeasure  of  God,  temporal  death  and  eternal 
condemnation. 

Rom.  vi.  23 :  The  wages  of  sin  is  death.  Rom.  ii. 
8,  9;v.  12.     (Aug.  Conf.  Art.  n.) 

168.  Can  we  deliver  ourselves  from  sin  ? 

We  cannot  deliver  ourselves  from  sin ;  left  to 
ourselves,  we  can  only  increase  our  guilt. 
Rom.  iii.  20 ;  vii.  24. 

THE  STATE  OF  GRACE. 

169.  Since  we  cannot  deliver  ourselves  from  sin,  must  we, 
therefore,  be  forever  lost  ? 

No ;  we  need  not  be  forever  lost ;  for  God,  in 
His  grace,  has  provided  for  our  salvation. 

170.  Where  are  we  taught  how  God  has  provided  for  our 
salvation  ? 

We  are  taught  in  the  Creed  God's  provision 
for  our  salvation,  by  which  He  has  brought  us 
out  of  the  state  of  sin  and  misery  into  the  state 
of  grace. 

171.  What  is  the  state  of  grace? 

The  state  of  grace  is  that  state  of  man  in 
which  he  is  redeemed  from  sin,  renewed  after 
the  divine  image,  adopted  as  a  child  of  God 
and  made  an  heir  of  everlasting  life. 

Gal.  iv.  4-7 :  But  when  the  fulness  of  the  time  was 
come,  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made 
under  the  law,  to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the 
law,  that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  of  sons.    And 


THE  CREED.  55 

because  ye  are  sons,  God  hath  sent  forth  the  Spirit  of 
his  Son  into  your  hearts,  crying,  Abba,  Father. 
Wherefore  thou  art  no  more  a  servant,  but  a  son ;  and 
if  a  son,  then  an  heir  of  God  through  Christ. 

THE  ORIGIN  OF  SALVATION. 

172.  Why  does  God  deal  so  graciously  with  us  ? 

God  deals  so  graciously  with  us  out  of  His 
paternal  love  and  mercy,  without  any  merit  or 
worthiness  in  us. 

173.  In  what  then  do  we  find  the  origin  of  our  salvation? 

We  find  the  origin  of  our  salvation  in  the 
Father's  love. 

John  iii.  16:  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he 
gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth 
in  him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life. 

174.  When  did  God  determine  to  save  men  ? 

God  determined  in  eternity  to  redeem  man- 
kind. 

Rom.  viii.  28-30;  Eph.  i.  3-6;  1  Pet.  i.  1,  2. 

175.  When  did  God  promise  a  Redeemer  ? 

Immediately  after  the  fall  God  promised 
man  a  Redeemer. 

Gen.  iii.  15 :  And  I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and 
the  woman,  and  between  thy  seed  and  her  seed;  it 
shall  bruise  thy  head,  and  thou  shalt  bruise  his  heel. 

176.  Who  is  our  Redeemer? 

Jesus  Christ  is  our  Redeemer. 

1  Tim.  ii.  5,  6:  For  there  is  one  God,  and  one  me- 
diator between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus ; 
who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all,  to  be  testified  in 
due  time. 


56  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

THE  SECOND  ARTICLE  OF  THE  CREED. 

177.  Of  what  does  the  second  article  of  the  Creed  treat? 

The  second  article  of  the  Creed  treats  of  re- 
demption. 

178.  Rehearse  it? 

I  believe  in  Jesus  Christ,  His  only  Son,  our 
Lord,  who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius 
Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead  and  buried;  He  de- 
scended into  hell ;  the  third  day  He  rose  again 
from  the  dead;  He  ascended  into  heaven,  and 
sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father 
Almighty;  from  thence  He  shall  come  to  judge 
the  quick  and  the  dead. 

179.  What  is  meant  by  this  ? 

I  believe  that  Jesus  Christ,  true  God,  be- 
gotten of  the  Father  from  eternity,  and  also 
true  man,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  is  my 
Lord;  who  has  redeemed  me,  a  lost  and  con- 
demned creature,  purchased  and  won  me  from 
all  sins,  from  death,  and  from  the  power  of  the 
devil,  not  with  gold  or  silver,  but  with  His 
holy,  precious  blood,  and  with  His  innocent 
sufferings  and  death ;  in  order  that  I  might  be 
His  own,  live  under  Him  in  His  kingdom,  and 
serve  Him  in  everlasting  righteousness,  inno- 
cence and  blessedness,  even  as  He  is  risen  from 
the  dead,  lives  and  reigns  to  all  eternity.  This 
is  most  certainly  true. 


THE  CREED.  57 

180.  What  is  meant  by  the  name  Jesus  ? 

Jesus  means  Saviour. 
Matt.  i.  21. 

181.  What  is  meant  by  the  name  Christ? 

Christ  means  anointed,  the  same  as  Messiah. 

THE  STATES  OF  CHRIST. 

182.  What  two  states  of  Christ  are  here  set  forth  ? 

Christ's  State  of  humihation  and  His  state 
of  exaltation  are  set  forth  in  the  second  article 
of  the  Creed. 

Phil.  ii.  5-11. 

183.  What  events  belong  to  Christ's  state  of  humiliation? 

Christ's  state  of  humiliation  includes  every- 
thing from  His  conception  to  His  burial. 

184.  What  events  belong  to  Christ's  state  of  exaltation? 

Christ's  State  of  exaltation  began  with  His 
descent  into  hell,  and  ends  with  His  return  to 
judgment. 

Note.  The  most  important  texts  referring  to  these  two  states 
of  Christ  are  Heb.  i.  1-4;  Heb.  ii.  9-13;  1  Pet.  i.  10,  11;  Phil, 
ii.   5-11. 

THE  NATURES  OF  CHRIST. 

185.  What  two  natures  has  Christ? 

Christ  has  two  natures,  the  divine  and  the 
human;  that  is,  Christ  is  both  God  and  man, 
in  one  person. 

186.  How  do  the  Scriptures  prove  that  Jesus  Christ  is  true 
God? 

The  Scriptures  prove  that  Jesus  Christ  is 


58  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHLSM. 

true  God  by  ascribing  to  Him  divine  names,  di- 
vine attributes,  divine  works,  and  divine  wor- 
ship. 

a.  Divine  names.  John  i.  1,  2,  14:  In  the  begin- 
ning was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was  with  God,  and 
the  Word  was  God.  The  same  was  in  the  beginning 
with  God.  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt 
among  us,  (and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of 
the  only  begotten  of  the  Father)  full  of  grace  and 
truth.  John  xx.  26-29 ;  Rom.  ix.  5  ;  1  John  v.  20 ;  Rev. 
xvii.  14 ;  xix.  13-16. 

b.  Divine  attributes.  John  i.  15.  John  viii.  57,  58: 
Then  said  the  Jews  unto  him.  Thou  art  not  yet  fifty 
years  old,  and  hast  thou  seen  Abraham?  Jesus  said 
unto  them.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  Before 
Abraham  was,  I  am.  John  i.  1,  2;  xvii.  5,  24;  Isa. 
xliv.  6;  Micah.  v.  2.  Rev.  xxii.  13:  I  am  Alpha  and 
Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end,  the  first  and  the 
last.  See  Matt,  xxviii.  18;  Phil.  iii.  21;  Rev.  i.  8; 
John  ii.  24,  25,  vi.  64;  Acts  i.  21-24;  1  Cor.  iv.  4,  5; 
Rev.  ii.  23;  John  xvi.  30;  xxi.  17;  Matt,  xviii.  20, 
xxviii.  20;  Heb.  i.  10-12;  xiii.  8. 

c.  Divine  works.  Heb.  i.  1-3.  John  i.  3:  All  things 
were  made  by  him ;  and  without  him  was  not  anything 
made  that  was  made.  See  also  Col.  i.  12-22;  Acts  iv. 
10-12 ;  John  v.  25  29 ;  2  Cor.  v.  10 ;  Matt.  xvi.  27  ;  xxv. 
31-46. 

d.  Divine  worship.  John  xiv.  13,  14.  Phil.  ii.  9-11: 
Wherefore  God  also  hath  highly  exalted  him,  and 
given  him  a  name  which  is  above  every  name :  That 
in  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  should  bow,  of  things 
in  heaven,  and  things  in  earth,  and  things  under  the 
earth ;  And  that  every  tongue  should  confess  that 
Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father. 
Heb.  i.  6:  And  again,  when  he  bringeth  in  the  first- 
begotten  into  the  world,  he  saith.  And  let  all  the 
angels  of  God  worship  him.  Acts  vii.  59,  60,  ix.  20-22 ; 
Rev.  V.  8-14;  vii.  9-17. 


THE  CREED.  59 

187.  How  do  the  Scriptures  prove  that  Jesus  Christ  is  true 
man? 

The  Scriptures  prove  Jesus  Christ  to  be  true 
man  from  the  facts  of  His  birth,  growth,  temp- 
tations, natural  infirmities,  death  and  burial. 

Matt.  i.  18-21,  iv.  1-11;  Luke  i.  30-33;  Luke  ii,  1- 
16;  John  iv.  6.  7;  Matt.  xxvi.  36-75,  xxvii.  1-50. 

188.  Why  must  our  Redeemer  be  both  man  and  God? 

^  Our  Redeemer  must  be  man  in  order  that,  by 
His  obedience  and  His  suffering-  in  our  stead, 
He  might  redeem  us  from  sin ;  and  He  must  be 
God  in  order  that  His  redemption  may  be  all- 
sufficient. 

Acts  XX.  28 :  The  church  of  God  which  he  hath 
purchased  v/ith  his  own  blood,     Heb.  ii.  14-18. 

REDEMPTION. 

189.  What  did  Christ  fulfill  in  our  stead? 

Christ  in  our  stead  rendered  perfect  obedi- 
ence to  the  whole  law. 

John  viii.  46 ;  Rom.  v.  19 :  For  by  one  man's  dis- 
obedience many  were  made  sinners,  so  by  the  obedi- 
ence of  one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 

190.  Wherewith  has  Christ  redeemed  you? 

Christ  has  redeemed  me,  a  lost  and  con- 
demned creature,  purchased  and  won  me  from 
all  sins,  from  death,  and  from  the  power  of  the 
devil;  not  with  gold  or  silver,  but  with  His 
holy,  precious  blood,  and  with  His  innocent 
sufferings  and  death. 

191.  What  is  meant  by  Christ's  redeeming  us  from  sin? 

By  Christ's  redeeming  us  from  sin,  is  meant 


60  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

that  He  frees  us  from  the  condemnation  and 
dominion  of  sin. 

Rom.  vi.  14-23.  Col.  i.  14 :  In  whom  we  have  re- 
demption through  his  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of 
sins.  Rom.  vi.  14.  1  Pet.  ii.  24:  Who  his  own  self 
bare  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree,  that  we, 
being  dead  to  sins,  should  live  unto  righteousness ;  by 
whose  stripes  ye  were  healed. 

192.  What  is  meant  by  Christ's  redeeming  us  from  death  ? 

By  Christ's  redeeming  us  from  death  is 
meant  that  He  frees  us  from  spiritual  and 
eternal  death,  by  regeneration,  and  from  tem- 
poral death,  by  our  resurrection  and  glorifica- 
tion. 

Eph.  ii.  1,  5:  And  you  hath  he  quickened,  who  were 
dead  in  trespasses  and  sins.  Even  when  we  were  dead 
in  sins,  hath  quickened  us  together  with  Christ  (by 
grace  ye  are  saved).  John  xi.  25,  26.  Rom.  vi.  23: 
For  the  wages  of  sin  is  death ;  but  the  gift  of  God  is 
eternal  life  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

193.  What  is  meant  by  Christ's  redeeming  us  from  the 
power  of  the  devil? 

By  Christ's  redeeming  us  from  the  power  of 
the  devil  is  meant  that  He  wins  us  back  to 
God,  frees  us  from  the  dominion  of  the  devil, 
and  gives  us  grace  to  conquer  him. 

Acts  xxvi.  18;  Heb.  ii.  14,  15:  That  through  death 
he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the  power  of  death, 
that  is,  the  devil :  And  deliver  them  who  through  fear 
of  death  were  all  their  lifetime  subject  to  bondage. 

194.  What  is  the  purpose  of   redemption? 

The  purpose  of  redemption  is  that  we  may 
be  Christ's,  to  live  under  Him  in  His  king- 


THE  CREED.  61 

dom,  and  to  serve  Him  in  everlasting  right- 
eousness, innocence,  and  blessedness. 

195.  How  does  God  assure  us  of  salvation  ? 

God  assures  us  of  salvation  by  the  resurrec- 
tion of  Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead. 

Rom.  iv.  25:  Who  was  delivered  for  our  offences, 
and  was  raised  again  for  our  justification.  1  Cor.  xv. 
20-22 :  But  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  be- 
come the  first-fruits  of  them  that  slept.  For  since  by 
man  came  death,  by  man  came  also  the  resurrection 
of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ 
shall  all  be  made  alive.  Col.  iii.  4 :  When  Christ,  who 
IS  our  life,  shall  appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with 
him  in  glory.    1  Pet.  i.  3-5 ;  Rom.  v.  17. 

196.  How  does  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  assure  us 
of  salvation? 

The  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead 
assures  us  that  He  is  the  Son  of  God,  the  Sav- 
iour of  mankind,  and  is  the  pledge  of  our  resur- 
rection and  glorification,  in  union  with  Him. 

OFFICES  OF  CHRIST. 

197.  What  threefold  office  does  Christ  as  our  Redeemer  and 
Saviour  exercise? 

Christ  exercises  the  threefold  office  of 
Prophet,  Priest,  and  King. 

198.  How  is  Christ  our  Prophet? 

Christ  is  our  Prophet,  in  that  He  makes 
known  to  us  the  will  of  God  and  the  way  of 
salvation. 

Deut.  xviii.  18;  Acts  iii.  22:  For  Moses  truly  said 
unto  the  fathers.  A  prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  God 
raise  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto  me :  him 


62  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

shall  ye  hear   in  all   things  whatsoever   he   shall   say 
unto  you.     (2  Tim.  iii.  14-17.) 

199.  How  is  Christ  our  Priest? 

Christ  is  our  Priest,  in  that  He  offered  up 
Himself  as  a  sacrifice  for  our  sins,  and  now 
ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us. 

1  John  ii.  1,  2.  Heb.  vii.  25-28:  Wherefore  he  is 
able  also  to  save  them  to  the  uttermost  that  come  unto 
God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  interces- 
sion for  them.  For  such  an  high  priest  became  us, 
who  is  holy,  harmless,  undefiled,  separate  from  sin- 
ners, and  made  higher  than  the  heavens :  Who  need- 
eth  not  daily,  as  those  high  priests,  to  offer  up  sacrifice, 
first  for  his  own  sins,  and  then  for  the  people's ;  for 
this  he  did  once,  when  he  offered  up  himself.  For  the 
law  maketh  men  high  priests  which  have  infirmity ; 
but  the  word  of  the  oath,  which  was  since  the  law, 
maketh  the  Son,  who  is  consecrated  for  evermore. 

200.  How  is  Christ  our  King? 

Christ  is  our  King,  in  that  He  governs  us, 
sustains  us,  and  shields  us  against  our  enemies. 
Ps.  ii.  6 :  Yet  have  I  set  my  king  upon  my  holy  hill 
of  Zion.  Ps.  xlv.  6.  Luke  i.  32,  33,  67-75.  (Matt, 
xxviii.  18;  Acts  ii.  25-38;  Phil.  ii.  9-11 ;  Eph.  i.  20-22; 
1  Cor.  XV.  24-26.) 

201.  How  do  we  become  partakers  of  salvation? 

We  become  partakers  of  salvation  by  faith  in 
Christ. 

Eph.  ii.  8 :  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith : 
and  that  not  of  yourselves :   ii  is  the  gift  of  God. 

OUR  MORAL  INABILITY. 

202.  Can  you  believe  '"n  Christ  by  your  own  strength  ? 

No;   I   cannot  believe  in  Jesus   Christ  my 


THE  CREED.  63 

Lord  or  come  to  Him  by  my  own  reason  or 
strength. 

1  Cor.  ii.  14 :  But  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the 
things  of  the  Spirit  of  God :  for  they  are  f ooHshness 
unto  him :  neither  can  he  know  them,  because  they 
are  spiritually  discerned.  John  vi.  29,  44,  45,  64,  65 ; 
Rom.  vii.  23 ;  Eph.  i.  1. 

203.  Who  works  in  us  faith  in  Christ? 

The  Holy  Spirit  works  in  us  faith  in  Christ. 
1  Cor.  xii,  3  :   No  man  can  say  that  Jesus  is  the  Lord, 
but  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

204.  Where  is  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  set  forth? 

The  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  set  forth  in 
the  third  article  of  the  Creed. 

THE  APPLICATION  OF  SALVATION— THE  THIRD 
ARTICLE  OF  THE  CREED. 

205.  Of  what  does  the  third  article  of  the  Creed  treat? 

The  third  article  of  the  Creed  treats  of  Sanc- 
tification. 

206.  Repeat  the  third  article  of  the  Creed? 

I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  holy  Chris- 
tian Church ;  the  communion  of  saints ;  the 
forgiveness  of  sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the 
body;  and  the  life  everlasting.    Amen. 

207.  What  is  meant  by  this  ? 

I  believe  that  I  cannot  by  my  own  reason  or 
strength  beHeve  in  Jesus  Christ  my  Lx)rd,  or 
come  to  Him;  but  the  Holy  Ghost  has  called 
me  by  the  Gospel,  enlightened  me  with  His 
gifts,  and  sanctified  and  preserved  me  in  the 
true  faith;  even  as  He  calls,  gathers,  enlight- 


64  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

ens,  and  sanctifies  the  whole  Christian  Church 
on  earth,  and  preserves  it  in  union  with  Jesus 
Christ  in  the  one  true  faith;  in  which  Chris- 
tian Church  He  daily  and  richly  forgives  me 
and  all  believers  all  our  sins,  and  at  the  last 
day  will  raise  up  me  and  all  the  dead,  and  will 
grant  me  and  all  believers  in  Christ  everlast- 
ing life.    This  is  most  certainly  true. 

208.  Who  is  the  Holy  Spirit? 

The  Holy  Spirit  is  true  God,  in  like  manner 
as  the  Father  and  the  Son. 
Matt,  xxviii.  19;  2  Cor.  xiii.  14. 

209.  How  do  the  Scriptures  prove  that  the  Holy  Spirit  is 
true  God? 

The  Scriptures  prove  the  Holy  Spirit  to  be 
true  God  by  ascribing  to  Him  divine  names,  di- 
vine attributes,  divine  works,  and  divine  honor. 

Acts  V.  3,  4:  But  Peter  said,  Ananias,  why  hath 
Satan  filled  thine  heart  to  lie  to  the  Holy  Ghost?  thou 
hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but  unto  God.  Heb.  ix.  14 ; 
Ps.  cxxxix.  7-10;  1  Cor.  ii.  9-11;  John  iii.  5;  Matt, 
xxviii.  19.  2  Cor.  xiii.  14:  The  grace  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all.    Amen. 

210.  What  is  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit? 

The  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is,  to  call,  to 
enlighten,  to  sanctify,  and  to  preser\^e  us  in  the 
true  faith. 

211.  What  is  the  call  of  the  Holy  Spirit? 

The  call  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  His  inviting 


THE  CREED.  65 

US,  through  the  gospel,  to  turn  from  sin  and 
misery  to  Christ  Jesus,  the  Redeemer. 

Isa.  Iv.  1 :  Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to 
the  waters,  and  he  that  hath  no  money ;  come  ye,  buy. 
and  eat ;  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without 
money  and  without  price.  Rev.  xxii.  17:  And  the 
Spirit  and  the  bride  say,  Come.  And  let  him  that 
heareth  say,  Come.  And  let  him  that  is  athirst  come. 
And  whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water  of  life 
freely.    2  Thes.  ii.  13,  14;  Rev.  iii.  20. 

212.  Is  this  call  of  the  Holy  Spirit  intended  for  all  men? 

Yes ;  the  call  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  intended 
for  all  men. 

Matt,  xxviii.  19 :  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  na- 
tions, baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  John  i.  9.  1  Tim. 
ii.  3,  4 :  For  this  is  good  and  acceptable  in  the  sight  of 
God  our  Saviour ;  Who  wall  have  all  men  to  be  saved, 
and  to  come  unto  the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  Tit.  ii. 
11. 

213.  Who  accept  the  Spirit's  call? 

All  who  repent  and  believe  the  Gospel,  ac- 
cept the  Spirit's  call. 

Mk.  xvi.  15,  16-;  1  John  i.  6,  7. 

214.  What  will  he  the  condition  of  those  who  hear  the 
Spirit's  call,  and  do  not  obey  it? 

All  who  hear  the  Spirit's  call  and .  do  not 
obey  it  bring  upon  themselves  God's  righteous 
condemnation. 

Heb.  xii.  25 :  See  that  ye  refuse  not  him  that  speak- 
eth.  For  if  they  escaped  not  who  refused  him  that 
spake  on  earth,  much  more  shall  not  we  escape,  if  we 
turn  away  from  him  that  speaketh  from  heaven.  Heb. 
X.  28-31.     (Heb.  ii.  1-3;  Matt.  xxii.  1-14.) 


66  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

215.  How  does  the  Holy  Spirit  enlighten  U8  ? 

The  Holy  Spirit  enlightens  us  when  He  con- 
vinces us  of  sin  and  of  our  lost  condition,  and 
shows  us  the  salvation  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Acts  xxvi.  18 :  To  open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them 
from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of  Satan 
unto  God,  that  they  may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins, 
and  inheritance  among  them  which  are  sanctified  by 
faith  that  is  in  me.  1  Pet.  ii.  9;  Col.  i.  13;  2  Cor.  iv. 
3-6.  (1  Thes.  v.  4,  5;  Eph.  v.  8;  Eph.  i.  15-23;  Ps. 
cxix.  18;  John  V.  39.) 

216.  What  is  regeneration? 

Regeneration  is  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
by  which  He  makes  us  new  creatures  in  Christ 
Jesus. 

Deut.  XXX.  6 ;  1  Pet.  i.  23 :  Being  born  again,  not  of 
corruptible  seed,  but  of  incorruptible,  by  the  word  of 
God,  which  liveth  and  abideth  for  ever.  Ezek.  xxxvi. 
25-28.  2  Cor.  v.  17 :  Therefore  if  any  man  be  in  Christ, 
he  is  a  new  creature :  old  things  are  passed  away ;  be- 
hold, all  things  are  become  new.  Gal.  yi.  15:  For  in 
Christ  Jesus  neither  circumcision  availeth  anything, 
nor  uncircumcision,  but  a  new  creature.  Col.  iii.  10; 
Eph.  iv.  23,  24. 

217.  What  is  conversion? 

Conversion  is  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
by  which,  through  faith  in  Christ,  we  turn 
from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power  of 
Satan  to  God. 

Ezek.  xviii.  30-32;  1  Pet.  ii.  25:  For  ye  were  as 
sheep  going  astray;  but  are  now  returned  unto  the 
Shepherd  aiid  Bishop  of  your  souls. 


THE  CREED.  67 

218.  Whence  comes  faith  in  Christ? 

The  Holy  Spirit  through  the  means  of  grace 
works  in  us  faith  in  Christ. 

Eph.  ii.  8,  9 :  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved  through 
faith :  and  that  not  of  yourselves :  it  is  the  gift  of  God : 
Not  of  works,  lest  any  man  should  boast. 

219.  What  is  God's  gracious  gift  to  him  who  believes  in 
Jesus  Christ? 

Whenever  any  one  believes  in  Jesus  Christ, 
he  is  justified  before  God. 

Acts  X.  43:  To  him  give  all  the  prophets  witness, 
that  through  his  name  whosoever  believeth  in  him 
shall  receive  remission  of  sins.  Rom.  iii.  26 ;  1  John 
V.  11,  12:  And  this  is  the  record,  that  God  hath  given 
to  us  eternal  life,  and  this  life  is  in  his  Son.  He  that 
hath  the  Son  hath  life;  mid  he  that  hath  not  the  Son 
of  God  hath  not  life. 

220.  What  is  justification? 

Justification  is  the  act  of  God  whereby  for 
Christ's  sake  He  counts  the  believer  righteous. 

Rom.  iii.  24:    Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.    2  Cor. 
v.  21 :    For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who 
knew  no  sin ;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness 
of  God  in  him. 

221.  How  do  I  know  I  am  justified? 

When  my  faith  lays  hold  on  Christ,  then  have 
I  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  and  forgiveness 
of  all  my  sins. 

Rom.  iii.  24,  25 ;  Rom.  v.  1 :  Therefore  being  justi- 
fied by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

222.  Into  what  blessed  state  does  the  Holy  Spirit  bring  the 
justified  believer? 

The  Holy  Spirit  brings  the  justified  believer 
into  a  state  of  union  with  God. 


68  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

223.   What  is   meant  by  union   with  God? 

By  union  with  God  is  meant  that  God 
dwells  in  the  believer,  and  the  believer  dwells 
in  God. 

John  xiv.  23:  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  him,  H 
a  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words :  and  my  Father 
will  love  him,  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and  make 
our  abode  with  him.  1  John  iii.  24 :  And  he  that 
keepeth  his  commandments  dwelleth  in  him,  and  he 
in  him.  And  hereby  we  know  that  he  abideth  in  us, 
by  the  Spirit  which  he  hath  given  us.  1  John  iv.  12-16; 
1  Cor.  iii.  16,  vi.  19. 


THE  CONDITIONS  OF  SALVATION. 

224.  What  is   required  of  us  for  salvation  ? 

Rej^entance  and  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  are  re- 
quired of  us  for  salvation. 

Mark  i.  14,  15 :  Now  after  that  John  was  put  in 
prison,  Jesus  came  into  Galilee,  preaching  the  gospel 
of  the  kingdom  of  God.  And  saying,  The  time  is  ful- 
filled, and  the  kingdom  of  God  is  at  hand:  repent  ye, 
and  believe  the  gospel.  Acts  fi.  38 :  Then  Peter  said 
unto  them.  Repent,  and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you 
in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins, 
and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

225.  What  is  repentance? 

Repentance  is  a  change  of  mind ;  that  is,  of 
the  understanding,  the  heart,  and  the  will. 

Rom.  xii.  2 :  And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world : 
but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing  of  your  mind, 
that  ye  may  prove  what  is  that  good,  and  acceptable, 
and  perfect  will  of  God.  2  Cor.  vii.  10:  For  godly  sor- 
row worketh  repentance  to  salvation  not  to  be  repented 
of  :   but  the  sorrow  of  the  world  worketh  death. 


THE  CREED.  69 

226.  What  are  the  marks  of  repentance? 

The  marks  of  repentance  are,  a  sense  of  and 
sorrow  for  sin,  hatred  of  it,  and  a  sincere  pur- 
pose to  live  a  Hfe  of  holy  obedience. 

Matt.  iii.  8;  2  Cor.  vii.  10,  11. 

227.  What  is  faith  in  Jesus  Christ? 

Faith  in  Jesus  Christ  is  personal  trust  in 
Him  alone  for  salvation. 

228.  What  must  follow  repentance  and  faith? 

A  godly  life  must  follow  repentance  and  faith. 

1  John  V.  4:  For  whatsoever  is  born  of  God  over- 
cometh  the  world:  and  this  is  the  victory  that  over- 
cometh  the  world,  even  our  faith.  Gal.  v.  6.  (Matt, 
iii.  8;  James  ii.  18-20;  John  xiv.  23;  2  Cor.  v.  13-15; 
1  John  V.  1-5.)  Eph.  i.  4:  According  as  he  hath 
chosen  us  in  him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world, 
that  we  should  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him 
in  love.  Eph.  ii.  10:  For  we  are  his  workmanship 
created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works,  which  God 
hath  before  ordained  that  we  should  walk  in  them. 
Eph.  V.  27. 

229.  Who  enables  the  believer  to  live  a  godly  life? 

The  Holy  Spirit  sanctifies  the  believer  and 
enables  him  to  live  a  godly  life. 
1  Cor.  vi.  11 ;  xii.  3. 

230.  How  does  the  Holy  Spirit  complete  our  sanctification  7 

The  Holy  Spirit  completes  our  sanctification 
by  preserving  us  in  union  with  Jesus  Christ. 

231.  How  does  the  Holy  Spirit  preserve  us  in  union  with 
Jesus  Christ? 

The  Holy  Spirit  so  strengthens  believers  in 
the  inner  man,  that  they  are  enabled  to  conr 


70  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

tinue  steadfast  in  the  true  faith  and  in  holy 
living,  unto  final  salvation. 

Eph.  iii.  16 ;  Jude  24,  25 :  Now  unto  him  that  is  able 
to  keep  you  from  falling,  and  to  present  you  faultless 
before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy, 
To  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  ma- 
jesty, dominion  and  power  both  now  and  ever. 
Amen.  Phil.  i.  6 :  Being  confident  of  this  very  thing, 
that  he  which  hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you  will 
perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ.  2  Cor.  vii.  1. 
(Rom.  viii.  35-39;  2  Tim.  i.  12.) 

THE  CHURCH. 

232.  Where  does  the  Holy  Spirit  exercise  His  works  of 
grace  ? 

The  Holy  Spirit  exercises  His  vi^orks  of  grace 
in  the  Christian  Church. 

233.  What  is  the  Church? 

The  Church  is  the  whole  hody  of  Christian 
believers. 

John  X.  16;  Gal.  iii.  26-29;  1  Cor.'  xii.  12,  13:  For 
as  the  body  is  one,  and  hath  many  members,  and  all 
the  members  of  that  one  body,  being  many,  are  one 
body :  so  also  is  Christ.  For  by  one  Spirit  are  we  all 
baptized  into  one  body,  whether  we  be  Jews  or  Gen- 
tiles, whether  we  be  bond  or  free ;  and  have  been  all 
made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit.  (Isa.  Ivi.  3-8.)  Acts 
vii.  2)7,  38;  Acts  xx.  28.  (Rom.  xvi.  3-5;  1  Cor.  xvi. 
19;  Col.  iv.  15;  1  Cor.  xii.  27,  28;  Col.  i.  18.) 

234.  How  does  the  Creed  characterize  the  one  Christian 
Church? 

The  Creed  characterizes  the  Christian  Church 
as  holy. 


THE  CREED.  71 

235.  How  is  the  Church  today? 

The  Church  is  holy  because  its  members  are 
called  with  a  holy  calling,  and  are  consecrated 
to  God,  set  apart  to  His  holy  service. 

2  Tim.  i.  9 :  Who  hath  saved  us,  and  called  us  with 
a  holy  calling,  not  according  to  our  works,  but  ac- 
cording to  his  own  purpose  and  grace,  which  was  given 
us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began.  Ps.  iv.  3 ; 
Eph.  V.  25-27 ;  1  John  iii.  3. 

236.  Can  the  Church  ever  be  destroyed? 

The  Church  can  never  be  destroyed. 

Matt.  xvi.  18 :  And  I  say  also  unto  thee.  That  thou 
art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church ; 
and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it. 

237.  How  does  the  Creed  fvirther  designate  the  holy  Chris- 
tian Church  ? 

The  Creed  further  designates  the  Church  as 
the  communion  of  saints. 

238.  Why  are  the  members  of  the  Church  called  saints  ? 

The  members  of  the  Church  are  called  saints : 
(1)  Because  they  are  consecrated  to  the  holy 
service  of  God;  and  (2)  Because  they  are  sanc- 
tified in  Christ. 

Rom.  i.  7 :  To  all  that  be  in  Rome,  beloved  of  God, 
called  to  be  saints :  Grace  to  you  and  peace  from  God 
our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  1  Cor.  i.  2; 
Heb.  X.  10,  14,  29;  xiii.  12;  Matt.  v.  48;  2  Cor.  vii.  1. 
(2  Cor.  i.  1 ;  Eph.  i.  1 ;  Phil.  i.  1 ;  Col.  i.  1,  2.) 

239.  Why  is  the  Church  called  the  communion  of  saints? 

The  Church  is  called  the  communion  of 
saints:  (1)  Because  the  saints  have  fellowship 
with  the  Father  and  with  His  Son  Jesus  Christ ; 


12  LUTHER'S  SMALL  GATFXHISM. 

(2)  Because  they  have  fellowship  one  with 
another  in  Christ  their  Lord  and  Head;  (3) 
Because  they  have  the  same  Holy  Spirit,  the 
same  faith,  the  same  privileges,  duties,  trials, 
enjoyments,  and  hopes. 

Eph.  i.  22,  23;  1  John  i.  Z-1  \  Eph.  iv.  4-6.  (2  Cor. 
vi.  14-18;  2  Cor.  viii.  1-4;  2  Cor.  ix.  13;  Gal.  ii.  9; 
Eph.  iii.  8-19;  Eph.  v.  11 ;  Phil.  i.  1-7;  Phil.  iii.  8-10.) 

240.  What  is  meant  by  the  Church  militant? 

By  the  Church  militant  is  meant  the  Church 
on  earth,  in  conflict  with  the  world,  the  flesh, 
and  the  devil. 

John  xvi.  2i2) :  In  the  world  ye  shall  have  tribula- 
tion ;  but  be  of  good  cheer ;  I  have  overcome  the 
world.  2  Tim.  iii.  12 :  Yea,  and  all  that  will  live  godly 
in  Christ  Jesus  shall  suffer  persecution.  Rev.  vii.  13, 
14.     (John  XV.  19-21 ;  Matt.  x.  16-22;  2  Tim.  iv.  5-8.) 

241.  What  is  meant  by  the  Church  triumphant? 

By  the  Church  triumphant  is  meant  the 
glorified  Church  in  heaven. 

John  xvii.  24;  1  Pet.  i.  3,  4;  Rev.  vii.  16,  17:  They 
shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more ;  neither 
shall  the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any  heat.  For  the 
Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne  shall  feed 
them,  and  shall  lead  them  unto  living  fountains  of 
waters:  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their 
eyes.     (Rev.  chap,  xxi.,  and  xxii.  1-5.) 

242.  Will  all  who  are  in  the  Church  on  earth  be  received 
into  the  Church  in  heaven  ? 

Only  believers,  who  continue  faithful  unto 
death,  will  be  received  into  the  Church  in 
heaven. 


THE  CREED.  7Z 

Gal.  vi.  15:  For  in  Christ  Jesus  neither  circumcision 
availeth  anything,  nor  uncircumcision,  but  a  new 
creature.  Gal.  v.  6;  James  ii.  26;  Rev.  iii.  4.  (John 
XV.  1-7;  James  i.  22-25;  2  Tim.  iii.  1-8;  Matt.  vii. 
21-27.) 

243.  What  else  is  there  in  the  third  article  of  the  Creed? 

I  believe  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  the  resurrec- 
tion of  the  body,  and  the  life  everlasting. 

THE  FORGIVENESS   OF  SINS. 

244.  Who  can  forgive  sins? 

No  one  but  God  can  forgive  sins. 
Mk.  ii.  7. 

245.  Where  does   God  forgive  you  your  sins? 

In  the  Christian  Church  God  forgives  me 
and  all  other  believers  all  our  sins. 

Mk.  xvi.  16;  Lk.  xxiv.  47;  John  xx.  22,  23;  Acts  ii. 
38,  41,  47,  xxii.  16. 

246.  On   what  ground   does   God  forgive  our  sins? 

God  forgives  our  sins  for  Christ's  sake,  on 
the  ground  of  His  perfect  obedience  and  His 
meritorious  sufTerings  and  death. 

Acts  iv.  12 :  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other ; 
for  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven  given 
among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved.  1  John  ii.  1, 
2:  My  little  children,  these  things  write  I  unto  you, 
that  ye  sin  not.  And  if  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  ad- 
vocate with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous: 
And  he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins:  and  not  for 
ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world. 
Rev.  i.  5;  Rev.  vii.  14.     (Heb.  ix.  6-14.) 


74  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

247.  Whose  sins  does  God  forgive? 

God  forgives  the  sins  of  all  who  truly  repent 
and  believe. 

Acts  ii.  38 :  Then  Peter  said  unto  them,  Repent,  and 
be  baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  1  John  i.  9 :  H  we  confess 
our  sins,  he  is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins, 
and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness. 

248.  Can  the  believer  live  entirely  free  from  sin  ? 

No;  we  cannot  live  entirely  free  from  sin, 
but  daily  sin  through  infirmity. 

1  John  i.  8-10;  James  iii.  2;  v.  16;  Rom.  xvi.  1  ;  Gal. 
vi.  L 

249.  What  are  Bins  of  infirmity? 

Sins  of  infirmity  are  those  committed  through 
ignorance  or  incautiousness. 

250.  What  are  wilful  sins? 

Wilful  sins  are  those  committed  knowingly 
and  purposely. 

251.  Can  the  believer  live  without  committing   wilful  sins? 

Yes ;  the  believer  can  and  ought  to  live  with- 
out committing  wilful  sins. 

1  John  ii.  1.  1  John  iii.  9:  Whosoever  is  born  of 
God  doth  not  commit  sin ;  for  his  seed  remaineth  in 
him :  and  he  cannot  sin,  because  he  is  born  of  God. 
1  John  v.  18 :  We  know  that  whosoever  is  born  of  God 
sinneth  not :  but  he  that  is  begotten  of  God  keepeth 
himself,  and  that  wicked  one  toucheth  him  not. 


THE  CREED.  75 

252.  May  believers  at  all  times  expect  forgiveness  of  their 
sins? 

God  daily  forgives  believers  all  their  sins,  so 
long  as  they  do  not  yield  themselves  to  wilful 
transgression. 

Rom.  viii.  1 :  There  is  therefore  now  no  condemna- 
tion to  them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not 
after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit.  1  John  ii.  1,  2: 
My  little  children,  these  things  write  I  unto  you,  that 
ye  sin  not.  And  if  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  advocate 
with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous :  And  he  is 
the  propitiation  for  our  sins :  and  not  for  ours  only, 
but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world. 

253.  What  must  a  believer  do  in  order  that  he  may  not  fall 
into  sin? 

A  believer  must  daily  watch  and  pray  that 
he  may  not  fall  into  sin. 

Matt.  xxvi.  41 :  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not 
into  temptation:  the  spirit  indeed  is  willing,  but  the 
flesh  is  weak.  Eph.  vi.  18 :  Praying  always  with  all 
prayer  and  supplication  in  the  Spirit,  and  watching 
thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  supplication  for 
all  saints. 

THE  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  BODY. 

254.  What  is  the  resurrection  of  the  body? 

The  resurrection  of  the  body  is  the  coming 
forth  of  the  body  from  the  grave,  to  be  re- 
united with  the  soul. 

John  v.  28,  29 :  Marvel  not  at  this :  for  the  hour  is 
coming,  in  the  which  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall 
hear  his  voice.  And  shall  come  forth;  they  that  have 
done  good,  unto  the  resurrection  of  life;  and  they  that 
have  done  evil,  unto  the  resurrection  of  damnation. 
(John  xi.  39-44;  1  Cor.  xv.  21-23.) 


76  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

255.  Who  will  raise  the  dead  ? 

Christ  will  raise  all  the  dead,  at  the  last  day. 

John  V.  28,  29.  1  Thess.  iv.  16:  For  the  Lord  him- 
self shall  descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout,  with  the 
voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God : 
and  the  dead  in  Christ  shall  rise  first. 

256.  What  will  be  the  nature  of  the  resurrection  body  of 
believers  ? 

The  resurrection  body  of  believers  will  be 
spiritual,  immortal,  incorruptible,  and  like  the 
glorious  body  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Phil.  iii.  20,  21.  1  John  iii.  2:  Beloved,  now  are  we 
the  sons  of  God,  and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we 
shall  be :  but  we  know  that,  when  he  shall  appear,  we 
shall  be  like  him;  for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is.  (1 
Cor.  XV.  42-45;  1  Pet.  i.  3,  4.) 

THE  GENERAL  JUDGMENT. 

257.  What  will  take  place  at  the  last  day? 

The  judgment  will  take  place  at  the  last  day. 
Matt.  XXV.  31-33. 

258.  Who  will  judge  the  world? 

Jesus  Christ  will  judge  the  world. 

John  V.  22:  For  the  Father  judgeth  no  man,  but 
hath  committed  all  judgment  unto  the  Son.  Acts 
xvii.  31  :  Because  he  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the  which 
he  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness  by  that  man 
whom  he  hath  ordained ;  whereof  he  hath  given  as- 
surance unto  all  men,  in  that  he  hath  raised  him  from 
the  dead.     (Acts  i.  9-11.) 

259.  Who  will  be  judged? 

All  mankind,  and  also  angels,  will  be  judged. 

2  Cor.  v.  10:  For  we  must  all  appear  before  the 
judgment  seat  of  Christ ;  that  every  one  may  receive 


THE  CREED.  11 

the  things  done  in  his  body,  according  to  that  he  hath 
done,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad.  Jude  6 :  And  the 
angels  which  kept  not  their  first  estate,  but  left  their 
own  habitation,  he  hath  reserved  in  everlasting  chains 
under  darkness  unto  the  judgment  of  the  great  day. 

EVERLASTING  LIFE,  OR  THE  STATE  OF  ETERNAL 
GLORY. 

260.  What  will  become  of  the  righteous  after  the  judgment? 

After  the  judgment  the  righteous  shall  enter 
into  life  everlasting. 
Matt.  XXV.  34-40,  46. 

261.  What  is  life  everlasting? 

Life  everlasting  is  endless  life  in  heaven,  free 
from  all  evil,  in  the  blessed  fellowship  of  God 
and  of  the  innumerable  company  of  saints  and 
angels. 

Rev.  xxi.  27;  1  Pet.  i.  3,  4;  Rev.  vii.  13-17;  Rev. 
xxi.  1-8;  Rev.  xxii.  1-5. 

THE  STATE  OF  ETERNAL  CONDEMNATION. 

262.  What  will  become  of  the  wicked  after  the  judgment? 

After  the  judgment  the  wicked  shall  enter 
into  everlasting  punishment. 

Matt.  XXV.  41-46;  Rev.  xiv.  9-11.     (2  Thess.  i.  6-10.) 

263.  What  else  will  occur  at  the  last  day? 

The  visible  heavens  and  earth  shall  pass 
away. 

Ps.  cii.  25-27 ;  Isa.  li.  6 ;  Luke  xxi.  ZZ.  2  Pet.  iii. 
10 :  But  the  day  of  the  Lord  will  come  as  a  thief  in  the 
night ;  in  the  which  the  heavens  shall  pass  away  with 


78  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  shall  melt  with  fer- 
vent heat,  the  earth  also  and  the  works  that  arc 
therein  shall  be  burned  up.    Rev.  xx.  IL 

264.  Why  do  we  say,  "I  believe"  ? 

We  say   "I   believe"   because,   to  be   saved, 
each  one  must  believe  for  himself. 
2  Cor.  xiii.  5. 


PART  III. 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

265.  What  is  prayer? 

Prayer  is  the  conversation  of  the  heart  with 
God,  uttered  or  unexpressed. 

Dan.  ix.  20,  21;  1  Sam.  12,  13;  Neh.  ix.  22;  Ps. 
xxxii.  5;  Ps.  cxix.  49;  Phil.  iv.  6.  (Illustrate  from 
the  prayer  of  Daniel,  Dan,  ix.  1-23,  and  Hymn  326.) 

266.  To  whom  should  we  pray? 

We  should  pray  to  God  only. 

Matt.  iv.  10 :  Then  saith  Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee 
hence,  Satan :  for  it  is  written,  Thou  shalt  worship 
the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve. 
Rev.  xix.  10:  And  I  fell  at  his  feet  to  worship  him. 
And  he  said  unto  me.  See  thou  do  it  not :  I  am  thy 
fellowservant,  and  of  thy  brethren  that  have  the  testi- 
mony of  Jesus :  worship  God :  for  the  testimony  of 
Jesus  is  the  spirit  of  prophecy.    Exod.  xx.  3-5. 

267.  For  what  may  we  pray? 

We  may  pray  for  spiritual  and  temporal 
blessings  for  ourselves  and  for  all  men,  with 
entire  submission  to  the  will  of  God. 

James  iv.  1-3.  1  John  v.  14:  And  this  is  the  confi- 
dence that  we  have  in  him,  that,  if  we  ask  anything 
according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us.  John  xiv.  13: 
And  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name,  that  will  I 
do,    that    the    Father   may    be    glorified    in    the    Son. 

Matt.  vi.  11;  Matt.  ix.  38;  1  Tim.  ii.  1,  2;  Eph.  vi. 
18-20;  Col.  iv.  3,  4.  Matt.  v.  44,  45:  But  I  say  unto 
(79) 


80  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

you,  Love  your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse  you, 
do  good  to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them 
which  despitef  ully  use  you,  and  persecute  you ;  That 
ye  may  be  the  children  of  your  Father  which  is  in. 
heaven:  for  he  maketh  his  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and 
on  the  good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the 
unjust.    Luke  xxiii.  34;  Acts  vii.  59,  60. 

268.  Where   should   we   pray? 

We  should  pray  everywhere,  but  especially 
in  secret,  in  the  family,  and  in  the  house  of 
God. 

1  Tim.  ii.  8 :  I  will  therefore  that  men  pray  every- 
where, lifting  up  holy  hands,  without  wrath  and 
doubting.  Luke  xix.  46.  Matt,  xviii.  20 :  For  where 
two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my  name,  there 
am  I  in  the  midst  of  them.  Jer.  x.  25 ;  Matt.  vi.  5,  6 : 
But  thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy  closet, 
and  when  thou  hast  shut  thy  door,  pray  to  thy  Father 
which  is  in  secret ;  and  thy  Father  which  seeth  in 
secret  shall  reward  thee  openly. 

269.  When  should  we  pray? 

We  should  pray  to  God  at  all  times  in  spirit ; 
and  at  particular  times  with  our  lips  also. 

Luke  xviii.  1  :  And  he  spake  a  parable  unto  them  to 
this  end,  that  men  ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to 
faint.  1  Thes.  v.  17:  Pray  without  ceasing.  Ps.  I  v. 
16,  17:  As  for  me,  I  will  call  upon  God;  and  the  Lord 
shall  save  me.  Evening,  and  morning,  and  at  noon, 
will  I  pray,  and  cry  aloud :   and  he  shall  hear  my  voice. 

270.  How  can  a  person  pray  to  God  at  all  times,  or  "with- 
out ceasing^"  ? 

We  can  pray  to  God  at  all  times  by  cherish- 
ing a  sense  of   God's  constant  presence,  and 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.  81 

looking  to  Him  continually  in  all  our  engage- 
ments. 

271.  Who  can  pray  acceptably? 

Every  inquiring  or  believing  soul  can  pra)^' 
acceptably  to  God. 

THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 
(Repeat  the  Lord's  Prayer.) 

272.  Why  is  this   called  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

It  is  called  the  Lord's  Prayer  because  our- 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  taught  it  to  His  disciples, 
saying — ''After  this  manner  therefore  pray 
ye." 

273.  How  is  the  Lord's  Prayer  divided? 

^  The  Lord's  Prayer  is  divided  into  introduc-. 
tion,  petitions,  and  conclusion. 

274.  What  is  the  introduction  to  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven. 

275.  What  is  meant  by  this? 

God  would  hereby  tenderly  invite  us  to  be-, 
lieve  that  He  is  truly  our  Father  and  we  are: 
truly  His  children,  so  that  we  may  ask  of  Him- 
with  all  cheerfulness  and  confidence,  as  dear- 
children  ask  of  their  dear  father. 

276.  How  is   God  truly  our  Father? 

God  is  truly  our  Father: 

'(1)  By  creation. 

Deut.  xxxii.  6.  Isa.  Ixiv.  8 :  But  now,  O  Lord,  thou, 
art  our  father;  we  are  the  clay,  and  thou  our  potter;- 
and  we  are  all  the  work  of  thy  hand. 


S2  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

(2)  By  preservation. 

Matt.  vi.  8 :  Your  Father  knoweth  what  things  ye 
have  need  of,  before  ye  ask  him.  Matt.  vi.  31,  32; 
James  i.  17. 

(3)  By  redemption  through  Jesus  Christ. 

Isa.  Ixiii.  16:  Doubtless  thou  art  our  father,  though 
Abraham  be  ignorant  of  us,  and  Israel  acknowledge 
us  not:  thou,  O  Lord,  art  our  father,  our  redeemer; 
thy  name  is  from  everlasting.    Eph.  i.  5-7. 

277.  How  must  we  pray  to  God? 

We  must  pray  to  God : 

(1)  In  the  name  of  Jesus. 
John  xvi.  23,  24,  xiv.  13.  14. 

(2)  In  faith. 

Heb.  xi.  6;  1  John  iii.  21,  22,  v.  14,  15;  James  i. 
5-8. 

(3)  With  importunity  and  trustful  resignation. 
Dan.  ix.  18,  19;  Matt.  xxvi.  38,  39.     (Luke  xviii. 

1-8;  Gen.  xxxii.  24-32;  Hymn  331.) 

278.  Why  do  we  say  "Our  Father?" 

We  say  *'Our  Father,"  because,  as  children 
of  God,  we  should  pray  in  the  fellowship  of 
the  Spirit  with  and  for  one  another. 

1  Cor.  xii.  13 ;  1  John  i.  3 ;  John  xvii.  20,  21.  (1  Cor. 
xii.,  xiv.;  Eph.  iv.  1-16;  Hymns  434  and  438.) 

279.  How  many  petitions   are  there  in  the  Lord's   Prayer? 

There  are  seven  petitions  in  the  Lord's 
Prayer 

THE  FIRST  PETITION. 

280.  What  is  the  first  petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

Hallowed  be  thy  name. 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.  85 

281.  What  is  meant  by  this? 

The  name  of  God  is  indeed  holy  in  itself; 
but  we  pray  in  this  petition  that  it  may  be 
hallowed  also  among  us. 

282.  How  is  the  name  of  God  hallowed  by  us  ? 

We  hallow  the  name  of  God  when  the 
word  of  God  is  taught  in  its  truth  and  pur- 
ity, and  we,  as  the  children  of  God,  lead  holy 
lives,  in  accordance  with  it;  this  grant  us, 
dear  Father  in  heaven !  But  he  that  teaches 
and  lives  otherwise  than  the  word  of  God 
teaches,  profanes  the  name  of  God  among  us ; 
from  this  preserve  us,  Heavenly  Father ! 

Matt.  V.  14-16:  Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world.  A 
city  that  is  set  on  a  hill  cannot  be  hid.  Neither  do 
men  light  a  candle,  and  put  it  under  a  bushel,  but  on 
a  candlestick ;  and  it  giveth  light  unto  all  that  are  in 
the  house.  Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that 
they  may  see  your  good  works,  and  glorify  your 
Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

283.  How  is  the  name  of  God  profaned  or  dishonored  among 
us? 

Whoever  teaches  and  lives  contrary  to  the 
word  of  God  dishonors  the  name  of  God  among 
us.     From  this  preserve  us.  Heavenly  Father. 

Gal.  i.  6-9.  Rom.  ii.  21-24:  Thou  therefore  which 
teachest  another,  teachest  thou  not  thyself?  thou  that 
preachest  a  man  should  not  steal,  dost  thou  steal? 
Thou  that  sayest  a  man  should  not  commit  adultery, 
dost  thou  commit  adultery?  thou  that  abhorrest  idols, 
dost  thou  commit  sacrilege?  Thou  that  makest  thy 
boast  of  the  law,  through  breaking  the  law  dishonour- 
est  thou  God?  For  the  name  of  God  is  blasphemed 
among  the  Gentiles  through  you,  as  it  is  written. 


«4     LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

THE  SECOND  PETITION. 

284.  What  is  the  second  petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

Thy  kingdom  come. 

285.  What  is  meant  by  this  petition  ? 

The  kingdom  of  God  comes  indeed  of  itself, 
without  our  prayer,  but  we  pray  in  this  peti- 
tion that  it  may  also  come  to  us. 

286.  When  is  this  effected? 

When  our  heavenly  Father  gives  us  His 
Holy  Spirit,  so  that  by  His  grace  we  believe 
His  holy  word,  and  live  godly  here  in  time, 
and  in  heaven  for  ever. 

287.  Are  there  any  to  whom  the  kingdom  of  God  has  not 
yet  come? 

Yes;  there  are  many  millions  to  whom  the 
Gospel  of  the  kingdom  of  God  has  never  been 
preached.  There  are  also  many  others  who 
live  where  the  Gospel  is  preached  who  do 
not  have  the  kingdom  of  God  in  their  hearts. 

Matt.  xxii.  14;  2  Cor.  iv.  3,  4;  Titus  i.  15,  16;  2  Tim. 
iii.  5;  Isa.  xxix,  14.  (Matt.  xiii.  3-8,  18-23;  2  Tim. 
iii.  1-9;  Matt.  xv.  1-9.) 

288.  What  command  did  Jesus  give  His  disciples  respecting 
His  kingdom  ? 

Jesus  said,  Go  ye,  and  make  disciples  of  all 
the  nations,  baptizing  them  into  the  name  of 
the  Father  and  of  the  Son  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost:  teaching  them  to  observe  all  things 
^whatsoever  I  commanded  you. 

(Matt,  xxviii.  19,  Revised  Version.) 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.  85 

THE  THIRD  PETITION. 

289.  What  is  the  third  petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

Thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven. 

290.  What  is  meant  by  this  ? 

The  good  and  gracious  will  of  God  is  done 
indeed  without  our  prayer ;  but  we  pray  in  this 
petition  that  it  may  be  done  also  among  us. 

291.  Where  has  God  made  known  His  wUl  to  us  ? 

God  has  made  known  His  will  to  us  in  His 
word. 

2  Tim.  iii.  16,  17:  All  scripture  is  given  by  inspira- 
tion of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof, 
for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness :  That 
the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  furnished 
unto  all  good  works. 

292.  What  is  the  will  of  God  as  made  known  in  His  word? 

The  will  of  God  is  everything  which  He  re- 
quires us  to  believe,  do  and  suffer,  in  order  that 
His  name  may  be  hallowed  and  His  kingdom 
come. 

293.  How  is  this  done? 

When  God  defeats  and  hinders  every  evil 
counsel  and  purpose,  which  would  not  let  us 
hallow  God's  name  nor  let  His  kingdom 
come,  such  as  the  will  of  the  devil,  the 
world,  and  our  own  flesh,  but  strengthens 
and  keeps  us  steadfast  in  His  word  and  in 
faith  unto  our  end.  This  is  His  gracious  and 
good  will. 


«6  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM, 

294.  What  opposes  the  will  of  God? 

The  evil  counsels  and  purposes  of  the  devil 
and  of  wicked  men,  and  our  own  sinful  nature, 
oppose  the  will  of  God. 

1  Pet.  V.  8 :  Be  sober,  be  vigilant ;  because  your  ad- 
versary the  devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walketh  about, 
seeking  whom  he  may  devour.  Eph.  vi.  11,  12:  Put 
on  the  whole  armour  of  God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to 
stand  against  the  wiles  of  the  devil.  For  we  wrestle 
not  against  flesh  and  blood,  but  against  principalities, 
against  powers,  against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of 
this  world,  against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high  places. 
Rom.  vii.  21-24;  Matt.  vi.  24:  Ye  cannot  serve  God 
and  mammon. 

295.  How  is  the  will  of  God  done  in  heaven? 

The  will  of  God  is  done  perfectly  by  angels 
and  saints  in  heaven. 

THE  FOURTH  PETITION. 

296.  What  is  the  fourth  petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread. 

297.  What  is  meant  by  this? 

God  gives  daily  bread  indeed  without  our 
prayer  even  to  all  the  wicked;  but  we  pray  in 
this  petition  that  He  would  lead  us  to  acknowl- 
edge and  receive  our  daily  bread  with  thanks- 
giving. 

298.  What  is  meant  by  daily  bread? 

All  that  belongs  to  the  wants  and  support 
of  the  body,  such  as  meat,  drink,  clothing, 
shoes,     house,     home,     land,     cattle,     money, 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.  87 

goods,  a  pious  spouse,  pious  children,  pious 
servants,  pious  and  faithful  rulers,  good 
government,  good  weather,  peace,  healthy 
order,  honor,  good  friends,  trusty  neighbors 
and  the  like. 

299.  Why  does  the  Lord  teach  us  to  pray  for  our  "daily 
bread,  this  day"  ? 

Our  Lord  teaches  us  to  pray  for  our  daily 
bread  this  day,  that  we  may  not  be  anxious 
about  the  future,  nor  be  intent  on  laying  up- 
earthly  riches. 

(Matt.  vi.  25-34;  1  Tim.  vi.  1-11.) 

THE  FIFTH  PETITION. 

300.  What  is  the  fifth  petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

And  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive 
those  who  trespass  against  us. 

(See  Third  Article  of  Creed,  on  Forgiveness  of  Sins.) 

301.  What  is  meant  by  this? 

We  pray  in  this  petition  that  our  Father  in 
heaven  would  not  look  upon  our  sins,  nor,  on 
account  of  them,  deny  our  prayer;  for  we  are 
not  worthy  of  anything  we  ask,  neither  have 
we  deserved  it;  but  that  He  would  grant  us 
all  through  grace;  for  we  sin  much  every  day, 
and  deserve  nothing  but  punishment. 

302.  What  must  we  do,  on  our  part,  when  we  pray  this 
petition  ? 

And  we  on   our  part  heartily   forgive  and 


88  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

readily    do    good    to    those    who    sin    against 
us. 

Mark  xi.  25 :  And  when  ye  stand  praying,  forgive, 
if  ye  have  ought  against  any :  that  your  Father  also 
which  is  in  heaven  may  forgive  you  your  trespasses. 

303.  What  must  we  do  when  we  have  wronged  our  fellow- 
man  ? 

When  we  have  wronged  our  fellowman  we 
must  repent  and  confess  to  him  our  fault. 

Matt.  V.  23,  24:  Therefore  if  thou  bring  thy  gift  to 
"the  altar,  and  there  rememberest  that  thy  brother 
hath  ought  against  thee ;  Leave  there  thy  gift  before 
the  altar,  and  go  thy  way ;  first  be  reconciled  to  thy 
brother,  and  then  come  and  offer  thy  gift. 

304.  How  are  we  to  treat  those  who  trespass  against  us 
•and  do  not  ask  our  forgiveness  ? 

Christ  says, 

(Matt.  V.  43-45:)  Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  been 
said.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor,  and  hate  thine 
enemy.  But  I  say  unto  you,  Love  your  enemies, 
bless  them  that  curse  you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate 
you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despitefully  use  you, 
and  persecute  you ;  That  ye  may  be  the  children  of 
your  Father  which  is  in  heaven :  for  he  maketh  his 
sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the  good,  and  sendeth 
rain  on  the  just  and  on  the  unjust. 

305.  Is  the  forgiving  of  our  brother  the  ground  of  God's 
forgiving  us? 

No;  but  we  cannot  expect  God  to  forgive 
us,  unless  we  ourselves  are  willing  to  forgive 
our  fellowmen. 

Matt.  vi.  14,  15. 


-^^ 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.  89 


THE  SIXTH  PETITION. 


306.  What  is  the  sixth  petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation. 

307.  What  is  meant  by  this  ? 

God  indeed  tempts  no  one,  but  we  pray- 
in  this  petition  that  God  would  guard  and 
keep  us,  that  the  devil,  the  world  and  our  flesh 
may  not  deceive  us,  nor  lead  us  into  misbelief, 
despair  and  other  shameful  sin  and  vice;  and, 
though  we  be  thus  tempted,  that  we  may  still 
in  the  end  overcome,  and  hold  the  victory. 

308.  Whence  come  temptations  to  sin? 

Temptations  to  sin  come  from  the  devil,  the 
world,  and  our  own  flesh. 

James  i.  14:  But  every  man  is  tempted,  when  he  is 
drawn  away  of  his  own  lust,  and  enticed.  1  Cor.  x. 
12:  Wherefore  let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth  take 
heed  lest  he  fall.     (Hymn  457.) 

309.  How  may  we  gain  the  victory  over  these  enemies? 

We  may  gain  the  victory  over  these  enemies 
only  by  the  help  of  God. 

1  Cor.  XV.  57:  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth 
us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Rom. 
viii.  2>7 :  Nay,  in  all  these  things  we  are  more  than 
conquerors  through  him  that  loved  us.  Prov.  xxiv. 
15,  16;  Micah  vii.  8,  9 ;  1  John  v.  4.  (Matt.  x.  16-22; 
Rev.  ii.,  iii.,  Rom.  viii.  31-39.) 

310.  What  must  we  do  in  order  to  gain  this  victory? 

We  must  watch  and  pray,  putting  on  the 
whole  armor  of  God. 

Matt.  XX vi.  41.     Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not 


90  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

into  temptation.  2  Tim.  iv.  6-8.  Eph.  v*.  10,  11: 
Finally,  my  brethren,  be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in 
the  power  of  his  might.  Put  on  the  whole  armor  of 
God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  stand  against  the  wiles  of 
the  devil.  Heb.  iv.  14-16.  (Matt.  iv.  1-11;  Eph.  vi. 
10-18;  Hymn  457.) 

THE  SEVENTH  PETITION. 

311.  What  is  the  seventh  petition  of  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

But  deliver  us  from  evil. 

312.  What  is  meant  by  this? 

We  pray  in  this  petition,  as  the  sum  of  all, 
that  our  Father  in  heaven  would  deliver  us 
from  all  manner  of  evil — in  body  and  soul, 
property  and  honor — and  at  last,  when  the 
hour  of  death  shall  come,  grant  us  a  blessed 
end,  and  graciously  take  us  from  this  vale  of 
sorrow  to  Himself  in  heaven. 

313.  Can  we  hope  to  be  delivered  from  all  evil  in  this  life? 

God  indeed  delivers  us  from  many  evils  in 
this  Hfe;  but  we  must  endure  frequent  suffer- 
ing, as  divine  chastisements  and  trials  for  our 
good. 

Acts  xiv.  22.  We  must  through  much  tribulation 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God.  Ps.  xc.  10:  The  days 
of .  our  years  are  threescore  years  and  ten;  and  if  by 
reason  of  strength  they  be  fourscore  years,  yet  is  their 
strength  labour  and  sorrow ;  for  it  is  soon  cut  ofif,  and 
we  fly  away.  Job  v.  19;  Ps.  xxxiv.  19,  20;  Ps,  xxxvii. 
39,  40.     (Ps.  ciii.  1-6;  Heb.  xii.  1-13.) 

314.  How  does  God  deliver  us  from  evils? 

God.  our  heavenly  Father,  mercifully  de- 
livers us  from  evils  by  turning  them  from  us, 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.  91 

or  by  supporting  us  in  them,  or  by  overruling 
them  for  our  good. 

Jer.  xxix.  11 :  For  I  know  the  thoughts  that  I  think 
toward  you,  saith  the  Lord,  thoughts  of  peace,  and 
not  of  evil,  to  give  you  an  expected  end.  2  Pet.  ii.  9; 
1  Co--,-.  X.  13 ;  Isa.  xliii.  2 ;  Isa.  xl.  28-31 ;  Ps.  xHi.  5. 

THE  CONCLUSION. 

315.  What  is  the  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

The  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  is,  For 
thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  for  ever  and  ever.    Amen. 

316.  What  is  meant  by  the  word  "Amen"  ? 

That  I  should  be  sure  that  these  petitions  are 
acceptable  to  our  Father  in  heaven,  and  are 
heard  by  Him;  for  He  himself  has  com- 
manded us  so  to  pray,  and  has  promised  to 
hear  us.  Amen,  Amen,  that  is.  Yea,  Yea;  it 
shall  be  so. 

317.  What  should  we  do  when  God  does  not  immediately 
answer  our  prayers? 

When  God  delays  answer  to  our  prayers,  we 
should  not  become  discouraged,  but  continue 
instant  in  prayer,  and  patiently  wait  in  confi- 
dent hope. 

Lam.  iii.  26:  It  is  good  that  a  man  should  both 
hope  and  quietly  w^ait  for  the  salvation  of  the  Lord. 
Ps.  xxvii.  14:  Wait  on  the  Lord:  be  of  good  courage, 
and  he  shall  strengthen  thine  heart:  wait,  I  say,  you 
the  Lord.  Ps.  xl.  1-3.  (Isa.  liv.  7-10;  Luke  xviii. 
1-8;  Ps.  xxxvii.  1-7.) 


92  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

THE  MEANS  OF  GRACE. 

318.  What  is  God's  grace? 

God's  grace  is  His  saving  favor  to  sinners. 

319.  What  is  meant  by  means  of  grace? 

Means  of  grace  are  the  divinely  appointed 
channels  through  which  God  makes  known, 
offers,  and  communicates  His  grace  to  us. 

320.  What  are  the  means  of  grace? 

The  means  of  grace  are  the  word  of  God  and 
the  sacraments,  viz..  Baptism  and  the  Lord's 
Supper. 

321.  Does  the  Holy  Spirit  alv/^ays  accompany  the  means  of 
grace  7 

Yes ;  the  Holy  Spirit  is  always  present  in  the 
means  of  grace,  and  works  saving  faith  in  those 
who  do  not  resist  Him. 

(Article  V.,  Augsburg  Confession.)     Rom.  x.  13-17. 

322.  What  is  a  sacrament? 

A  sacrament  is  a  holy  ordinance  instituted 
by  God,  through  which,  by  means  of  external 
and  visible  elements,  He  bestows  and  seals  His 
grace. 

323.  What  three  things  are  essential  to  a  sacrament? 

The  three  things  essential  to  a  sacrament 
are,  the  divine  institution,  the  visible  element, 
and  the  heavenly  gifts. 

324.  What  sacraments  did  the  Lord  Jesus  institute? 

The  Lord  Jesus  instituted  two  sacraments. 
Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper. 


THE  MEANS  OF  GRACE.  93 

Note.  The  Roman  Catholic  Church  holds  that  there  are 
seven  sacraments,  namely,  Baptism,  the  Lord's  Supper,  Mar- 
riage, Confirmation,  Ordination,  Penance,  and  Extreme  Unction. 
Besides,  she  maintains  that  faith  on  the  part  of  the  person 
using  them  is  not  requisite  to  the  proper  use  of  the  sacraments, 
but  that  they  confer  grace  merely  by  their  observance  (ex 
opere  operato) ;  this  the  Lutheran  Church  condemns. 

325.  Do  the  sacraments  by  their  mere  use  communicate 
grace  ? 

The  sacraments  communicate  grace  only  as 
they  are  received  and  appropriated  by  faith. 


PART  IV. 


THE  SACRAMENT  OF  HOLY 
BAPTISM. 

I.     THE  NATURE  OF  BAPTISM. 

326.  What  is  Baptism? 

Baptism  is  not  simply  water,  but  it  is  the 
water  comprehended  in  God's  command,  and 
connected  with  God's  word. 

327.  What  is  that  word  of  God? 

That  which  Christ  our  Lord  says  in  the  last 
chapter  of  IMatthew :  "Go  ye  and  teach  all 
nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the 
Father  and  of  the  Son  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost." 


328.  What  is  it  to  baptize  into  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost? 

It  is  to  baptize  in  obedience  to  God's  com- 
mand, in  His  place,  and  unto  fellowship  or 
covenant  relation  with  Him. 

Note,  Lutherans  hold  that  the  mode  of  baptism  is  no  essen- 
tial part  of  the  sacrament,  any  more  than  the  mode  of  celebra- 
ing  the  Lord's  Supper  is  essential  to  it.  Neither  the  meaning 
of  the  word  baptism,  nor  the  occasion  of  its  administration  in 

(94) 


BAPTISM.  95 

the  Scriptures  (Matt.  iii.  John  iii.  22,  23,  iv.  1,  2;  Acts  ii.  41, 
viii.  12,  36,  38,  ix.  18,  x.  47,  48,  xvi.  15,  33)  show  how  the 
sacrament  was  administered.  The  mstances  referred  to.  together 
with  the  analogy  of  Old  Testament  ordmances  (Num.  xix.  13, 
18-21;  Lev.  xiv.  7,  16,  27.  51,  xvi.  14,  15)  and  expressions  (I&. 
iii  15-  Ezek.  xxxvi.  25;  Heb.  x.  22)  indicate  pourmg  and  what 
is' called  sprinkling  as  quite  as  likely,  to  say  the  least-  as 
immersion.  For  these  and  other  reasons  the  Lutheran  church 
baptizes  by  sprinkling  or  affusion. 

IL     THE  BENEFITS  OF  BAPTISM. 

329.  What  benefits  does  Baptism  confer? 

It  works  forgiveness  of  sins,  delivers  from 
death  and  the  devil,  and  gives  everlasting  sal- 
vation to  all  who  believe  what  the  words  and 
promises  of  God  declare. 

330.  Which  are  those  words  and  promises  of  God? 

Those  which  Christ  our  Lord  says  in  the 
last  chapter  of  Mark:  "He  that  believeth 
and  is  baptized  shall  be  saved ;  but  he  that  be- 
lieveth not  shall  be  damned." 

331.  Since  Christ  has  procured  all  these  benefits  for  us,  why 
do  we  ascribe  them  to  baptism? 

We  ascribe  these  benefits  to  baptism  because 
baptism  is  the  appointed  means  of  sealing  them 
to  behevers. 

Mk.  xvi.  16 :  He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall 
be  saved.  Gal.  iii.  27 :  For  as  many  of  you  as  have 
been  baptized  into  Christ  have  put  on  Christ.  Rom. 
vi.  3.  4. 

III.     HOW  BAPTISM  CONFERS  ITS  BENEFITS. 

332.  How  can  water  do  such  great  things? 

It  is  not  water  indeed  that  does  it,  but  the 


96  LUTHER'S  SAIALL  CATECHISM. 

word  of  God,  which  is  in  and  with  the  water, 
and  faith  which  trusts  this  word  of  God  in  the 
water.  For  without  the  word  of  God,  the 
water  is  simply  water,  and  no  baptism.  But 
with  the  word  of  God,  it  is  a  baptism,  that  is, 
a  gracious  water  of  Hfe  and  a  washing  of  re- 
generation in  the  Holy  Ghost;  as  St.  Paul 
says,  Titus  iii.  5-8 :  ''A.ccording  to  his  mercy 
he  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration 
and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost;  which 
he  shed  on  us  abundantly  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Saviour ;  that  being  justified  by 
his  grace,  we  should  be  made  heirs  according 
to  the  hope  of  eternal  life.  This  is  a  faithful 
saying." 

Gal.  iii.  26,  27;  Eph.  v.  26,  27. 

333.  Why  is  baptism  called  a  gracious  'water  of  life  and  a 
washing  of  regeneration  ? 

Baptism  is  called  a  gracious  water  of  life 
and  a  washing  of  regeneration  because  therein 
the  Holy  Ghost  bestows  the  power  of  a  new 
life  on  the  believer. 

334.  Who  should  be  baptized? 

All  who  would  be  saved  should  be  bap- 
tized. 

Matt,  xxviii.  19.  John  iii.  5:  Jesus  answered,  Ver- 
ily, verily,  I  say  unto  thee.  Except  a  man  be  born  of 
water  and  of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  king- 
dom of  God. 


BAPTISM.  97 

335.  Are  infants  to  be  baptized? 

Most  certainly  infants  are  to  be  baptized; 
and  that  on  account  of  many  and  weighty  rea- 
sons, but  especially  because : 

(1)  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  declares:  "Of 
such  is  the  kingdom  of  God."  (Mark  x. 
14-16.)  Therefore  they  are  also  entitled  to 
that  by  which  we  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God,  viz.,  Baptism. 

(2)  He  directs  us  to  bring  them  to  Him; 
therefore  we  should  bring  them  in  the  way  ap- 
pointed by  Him,  baptizing  and  teaching  them. 

Matt.  xix.  14;  xxviii.  19,  20. 

(3)  As  in  the  Old  Testament  children  were 
received  into  the  covenant  of  God,  so  also  are 
we  assured  in  the  new  covenant,  "the  promise 
is  unto  you,  and  to  your  children." 

Acts  ii.  39. 

(4)  The  Holy  Scriptures  inform  us  that 
entire  families  were  baptized  by  the  Apostles. 

Acts  xvi.  15,  33;  1  Cor.  i.  16. 

(5)  Because  every  baptism,  even  that  of 
adults,  is  essentially  an  infant  baptism,  for  our 
Lord  says :  "Verily,  I  say  unto  you,  except 
ye  be  converted,  and  become  as  little  chil- 
dren, ye  shall  not  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
heaven." 

Matt,  xviii.  3. 

Note.  Children  were  to  receive  circumcision,  the  token  of 
the  covenant  which  God  made  with  Abraham,  and  the  seal  of 
the  righteousness  of  faith;  so  now  children  ooight  to  be  bap- 
tized, and  receive  the  token  of  the  new  covenant,  the  seal  of 
the  same  righteousness  of  faith. 


98  LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

That  infants  are  to  be  baptized  is  taught  in  John  iii.  5,  and 
Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20,  in  both  which  passages  a  universal  rule  is 
laid  down,  from  which  infants  can  by  no  means  be  excluded. 
This  is  confirmed  by  Mark  x.  13,  14. 

Further. 

(1)  Infants  belonged  to  the  Old  Testament  church  (Gen. 
xvii.  12),  and  the  New  is  not  more  exclusive  than  the  Old. 

(2)  Whole  families  were  baptized  (Acts  xvi.  13,  33)  in 
apostolic  times  and  there  is  no  reference  to  children's  exclusion. 

(3)  Origen,  bom  85  years  after  St.  John  died,  and  other 
Christian  fathers,  assert  that  infant  baptism  was  handed  down 
to  their  age  from  the  days  of  the  apostles. 

(4)  Infant  baptism  was  the  universal  practice  of  the  Chris- 
tian church  till  the  time  of  the  Reformation;  since  that  time  it 
has  been  the  custom  of  the  great  body  of  the  Christian  church 


IV.     THE  OBLIGATIONS  OF  BAPTISM. 

336.  In  what  relation  do  baptized  persons  stand  with  God? 

Baptized  persons  stand  in  covenant  relation 
with  God. 

337.  What  is  the  nature  of  this  covenant? 

In  this  covenant  God  promises  me  the  for- 
giveness of  sin,  life  and  salvation ;  and  I  prom- 
ise to  renounce  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the 
devil,  and  to  believe  in  God  the  Father,  Son, 
and  Holy  Ghost. 

What  does  such  baptizing  with  water  signify? 

It  signifies  that  the  old  Adam  in  us  should, 
by  daily  sorrow  and  repentance,  be  drowned 
and  die,  with  all  sins  and  evil  lusts ;  and  again 
a  new  man  daily  come  forth  and  arise,  who 
shall  live  before  God  in  righteousness  and 
purity  forever. 

339.  Where  is  this  written? 

St.  Paul  says,  Rom.  vi.  4:    "We  are  buried 


BAPTISM.  99 

with  Christ  by  baptism  into  death;  that  like 
as  He  was  raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the 
glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should 
walk  in  newness  of  life." 

340.  What  is  the  old  Adam  which  we  are  to  put  off,  or  to 
drown  and  destroy? 

By  the  old  Adam  is  meant  the  corrupt  nature 
which  we  have  inherited  from  our  first  parents, 
showing  itself  in  deceitful  lusts. 

Eph.  iv.  22 :  That  ye  put  off  concerning  the  former 
conversation  the  old  man,  which  is  corrupt  according 
to  the  deceitful  lusts. 

341.  What  is  the  new  man  that  must  arise  to  dwell  in  the 
presence  of  God  in  righteousness  and  purity  forever  ? 

The  new  man  is  the  new  nature  which  God 
gives  us  in  regeneration,  showing  itself  in 
righteousness  and  true  holiness. 

Eph.  iv.  23,  24 :  And  be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of 
your  mind :  And  that  ye  put  on  the  new  man,  which, 
after  God  is  created  in  righteousness  and  true  holi- 
ness. 

342.  When  does  the  new  man  arise? 

The  new  man  arises  within  us  when  we 
prayerfully  strive  to  serve  God,  and  faithfully 
use  the  means  of  grace  to  our  constant  advance- 
ment in  holiness. 

Acts  ii.  42 :  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the 
apostles'  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of 
bread,  and  in  prayers.  2  Pet.  iii.  18 :  But  grow  in 
grace,  and  In  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.  To  him  be  glory  both  now  and  for  ever. 
Amen. 


100         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

343.  Why  are  these  things  daily  necessary? 

These  things  are  daily  necessary:  (1)  Be- 
cause the  old  Adam  is  not  destroyed  at  once, 
but  remains  with  us  to  the  end  of  life;  and  (2) 
Because  the  new  man  is  not  perfected  at  once, 
but  grows  gradually  into  the  perfect  likeness 
of  Christ. 

1  Cor.  X.  12;  Phil.  iii.  12;  1  John  iii.  1,  2.  (Rom. 
vii.  14-25.) 

344.  When  did  you  enter  into  covenant  with  God? 

I  entered  into  covenant  with  God  at  my  bap- 
tism. 

345.  Do  you  make  a  new  covenant  at  your  confirmation? 

No ;  at  confirmation  I  only  confirm  and  ratify 
for  myself  the  covenant  made  at  my  baptism. 

346.  Is  the  baptismal  covenant  ever  broken? 

The  baptismal  covenant  is  never  broken  on 
God's  part;  but  man  may  fall  from  his  cove- 
nant through  wilful  sin. 

Heb.  X.  14-23 ;  Rom.  iii.  3. 

347.  Can  one  who  has  fallen  from  his  baptismal  covenant  be 
restored  ? 

Yes ;  one  who  has  fallen  can  again  be  awak- 
ened by  the  power  of  God ;  so  that,  repentant 
and  believing,  he  may  be  restored  to  his  bap- 
tismal covenant. 

Is.  Iv.  6;  Jer.  iii.  22. 

Note.  Here  follows,  in  Luther's  Catechism,  the  subject  of 
"Confession,"  the  doctrine  of  which  is  stated  on  pages  107, 
108. 


PART  V. 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

348.  What  are  the  names  given  to  this  sacrament? 

This  sacrament  is  called,  The  Sacrament  of 
the  Altar,  the  Lord's  Supper,  the  Table  of  the 
Lord,  the  Holy  Communion,  and  the  Eucharist. 

349.  Who  instituted  this  sacrament? 

Our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  instituted 
this  sacrament  in  the  night  in  which  He  was 
betrayed. 

350.  For  whom  was  the  Lord's  Supper  instituted? 

The  Lord's  Supper  was  instituted  for  all  be- 
lievers who  have  been  baptized  and  are  able  to 
observe  it  according  to  His  command. 

I.     THE  NATURE  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 
851.  What  is  the  Sacrament  of  the  Altar? 

It  is  the  true  body  and  blood  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  under  the  bread  and  wine,  insti- 
(101) 


102         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

tilted  by  Christ  Himself  for  us  Christians  to 
eat  and  to  drink. 

1  Cor.  X.  16,  17:  The  cup  of  blessing  which  we 
bless,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of  Christ? 
The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion 
of  the  body  of  Christ?  For  we  being  many  are  one 
bread,  mid  one  body :  for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that 
one  bread. 

352.  Where  is  this  written? 

The  holy  evangelists,  Matthew,  Mark  and 
Luke,  together  with  St.  Paul,  write  thus: 
*'Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  night  in  which 
he  was  betrayed,  took  bread;  and  when  he 
had  given  thanks,  he  brake  it  and  gave  it  to 
his  disciples,  saying.  Take,  eat,  this  is  my 
body  which  is  given  for  you;  do  this  in  re- 
membrance of  me.  Likewise,  after  supper,  he 
took  the  cup,  gave  thanks,  and  gave  it  to 
them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  this;  this  cup  is 
the  New  Testament  in  my  blood,  which  is 
shed  for  you  and  for  many,  for  the  remission 
of  sins :  do  this,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remem- 
brance of  me." 

Matt.  xxvi.  26-28;  Mk.  xiv.  22-24;  Lk.  xxii.  19,  20; 
1  Cor.  xi.  23-26. 

353.  Of  what  do  we  partake  in  the  Lord's  Supper? 

We  partake  naturally  of  bread  and  wine; 
and  sacramentally  of  the  body  and  blood  of 
Christ. 

1  Cor.  X.  16 :   The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  103 

it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of  Christ?  The 
bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the 
body  of  Qirist?     1  Cor.  xi.  29. 

354.  "When  do  we  receive  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ? 

We  receive  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ 
when  we  partake  of  the  sacramental  bread  and 
wine. 

355.  How  can  we  receive  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  in 
the  Lord's  Supper? 

It  is  not  for  reason  to  explain,  but  for  faith 
to  abide  by  the  word  of  Christ,  *This  is  my 
body,  This  is  my  blood  of  the  new  testament." 

II.  THE  BENEFITS  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

356.  Of  what  use  is  such  eating  and  drinking? 

It  is  shown  us  by  these  words:  "Given  and 
shed  for  you,  for  the  remission  of  sins;" 
namely,  that  in  the  sacrament  forgiveness  of 
sins,  life  and  salvation  are  given  us  through 
these  words.  For  where  there  is  forgiveness 
of  sins,  there  is  also  life  and  salvation. 

(See  Second  Article  of  the  Creed.) 

357.  What  is  taught  by  the  words,   "Do  this,    as  oft  as  ye 
drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me? 

By  these  words  we  are  taught  that  we  should 
frequently  celebrate  the  Lord's  Supper,  mind- 
ful of  all  that  the  Lord  is  and  has  done  for  us. 


104         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

III.     HOW  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER  CONFERS  ITS 
BENEFITS. 

358.  How    can    bodily    eating    and    drinking    do    such    great 
things  ? 

It  is  not  the  eating  and  drinking,  indeed, 
that  does  it,  but  the  words  which  stand  here: 
**Given  and  shed  for  you,  for  the  remission  of 
sins."  These  words,  together  with  the  bodily 
eating  and  drinking,  are  the  chief  thing  in  the 
sacrament;  and  he  that  believes  these  words 
has  what  they  say  and  mean,  namely,  the  for- 
giveness of  sins. 

359.  Why  are  the  bodily  eating  and  drinking  necessary? 

Without  the  bodily  eating  and  drinking 
there  is  to  us  no  Sacrament  of  the  Altar  at, 
all: 

(1)  Because  Christ  has  commanded,  "Take, 
eat,"  and  "Drink  ye  all  of  this."  (2)  Because 
He  has  made  the  words  of  promise,  not  apart 
from  but  together  with  the  bodily  eating  and 
drinking,  the  chief  thing  in  the  Sacrament. 

IV.  PREPARATION  TO  PARTAKE  OF  THE  LORD'S 
SUPPER. 

WORTHY    COMMUNICANTS. 

360.  Who  receives  this  sacrament  worthily  ? 

Fasting  and  bodily  preparation  are  indeed  a 
good  outward  discipline ;  but  he  is  truly 
worthy  and  well   prepared   who   has    faith   in 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  105 

these  words :  ''Given  and  shed  for  you,  for 
the  remission  of  sins."  But  he  who  beHeves 
not  these  words,  or  doubts,  is  unworthy  and 
unprepared;  for  the  words,  for  you,  require 
truly  believing  hearts. 

361.  Are  we  worthy  in  ourselves  to  partake  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  ? 

We  are  not  worthy  in  ourselves ;  for  God's 
gifts  are  bestowed  on  us  by  divine,  paternal 
love  and  mercy,  without  any  claim  of  merit  or 
worthiness  in  us. 

362.  What  two  kinds  of  preparation  for  the  Lord's  Supper 
are  there? 

There  is  an  external,  and  an  internal  prepa- 
ration for  the  Lord's  Supper. 

363.  What  is  external  preparation  ? 

Fasting  and  bodily  preparation,  are,  indeed, 
a  good  external  discipline. 

364.  What   is  the  use  of   external  preparation  ? 

External  preparation  is  useful  only  in  so  far 
as  it  helps  preparation  of  the  heart. 

365.  What  is  true  preparation  of  the  heart? 

True  preparation  of  the  heart  is  a  firm  belief 
in  these  words :  ''Given  and  shed  for  you  for 
the  remission  of  sins." 

366.  What  does  the  word  of  God  say  about  preparation  for 
the  Lord's  Supper? 

Let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him 
eat  of  that  bread  and  drink  of  that  cup. 
1  Cor.  xi.  28. 


106         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

367.  What  is  self-examination  ? 

Self-examination  is  a  diligent  inquiry  into  the 
reality  of  our  repentance,  faith,  and  holy  living. 

Note.  Self-explanation  includes  the  following  points:  (1) 
Repentance  (See  Q.  1,  in  Preparatory  Service);  (2)  Faith  in 
Christ  (See  Q.  2,  in  Preparatory  Service);  (3)  A  sincere  inten- 
tion and  purpose  of  new  obedience,  an  earnest  following  after 
holiness  of  heart  and  life  (See  Q.  3,  in  Preparatory  Service). 
Mark  i.  14,  15;  Matt.  iii.  5-12;  Tit.  ii.  11-14;  Ps.  17;  2  Cor.  vii. 
lOr  James  ii.  14-26. 

/   368^  What  must  you   do,    if,   in   this   self-examination,   you 
\^n^?TOurself  far  from  what  you  ought  to  be? 

I  must  not  on  this  account  absent  myself 
from  the  Lord's  table;  for  the  right  to  com- 
mune depends  not  on  our  worthiness,  but  on 
our  felt  need  of  the  Saviour  and  our  willingness 
to  accept  and  follow  Him. 

UNW^ORTHY    COMMUNICANT'S. 

369.  Who  is  unworthy  to  receive  the  Lord's  Supper  ? 

Whoever  does  not  believe  these  words, 
"Given  and  shed  for  you,"  or  who  doubts,  is 
unworthy  and  unfit;  for  the  words,  'Tor 
you,"  require  truly  believing  hearts. 

370.  What  kind  of  unbelief  or  doubt  is  here  referred  to? 

It  is  the  unbelief  of  one  who  doubts  the 
willingness  or  ability  of  Christ  to  save,  and 
who  chooses  rather  to  doubt  than  to  believe. 

Note.     Unworthy  communicants  are : 

(1)  Those  who  do  not  believe  the  words  of  Christ;  these 
have  no  right  at  the  Lord's  Table. 

(2)  Those  who  doubt  the  willingness  or  ability  of  Christ  to 
save;  for  they  cannot  be  benefited  oy  it. 

(3)  The  impenitent,  hypocrites,  and  the  openly  wicked;  for 
all  these  continue  to  reject  Christ,  and  would  only  eat  and 
drink  judgment  to  themselves.      l.Cor.  xi.  29. 

Call  attentiooi  also  to  the  admonition  to  the  impenitent  in  con- 
nection with  the  absolution  at  our  Preparatory  Service. 


ON  CONFESSION. 


371.  What  is  confession? 

By  confession  is  meant  that  the  penitent  sin- 
ner confesses  his  sins,  and  that  he  receives  in 
faith  the  forgiveness  of  sins  which  Christ  has 
authorized  His  Church  to  declare. 

Matt,  xvi.  19 ;  xviii.  18 :  Verily,  I  say  unto  you, 
Whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in 
heaven :  and  whatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on  earth  shall 
be  loosed  in  heaven.    John  xx.  23 ;  Lk.  xxiv.  47. 

(Augsburg  Confession,  Art.  XI.) 

372.  Through  whom  does  the  Church  ordinarily  declare  this 
forgiveness  ? 

The  Church  ordinarily  makes  the  declara- 
tion of  grace  through  the  ministry. 

/    373xQan  a  lay  member  of  the  Church  declare  to  penitents 
Vthg^forgiveness  of  sins? 

Any  member  of  the  Church  can  make  the  de- 
claration of  grace  to  all  who  make  penitent 
confession  of  sin. 

James  v.  16 :  Confess  your  faults  one  to  another, 
and  pray  one  for  another,  that  ye  may  be  healed. 

Note.  This  is  in  illustration  of  the  doctrine  of  the  universal 
priesthood  of  believers.     (Rom.  xii.  6-7;  1  Cor.  xii.  and  xiv.) 

374.  May  we,  then,  certainly  rely  on  this  declaration  of 
grace  as  God's  forgiveness  ? 

Most  assuredly  we  may ;  for  God's  promises, 
(107) 


108         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

like  Himself,  are  forever  true,  and  the  same 
yesterday,  to-day,  and  forever. 

1  John  i.  9:  If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful  and 
just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all 
unrighteousness, 

375.  May  not  every  penitent  sinner  appropriate  God's 
promises  directly  from  His  word? 

Every  penitent  sinner  may  daily  appropriate 
by  faith  the  forgiveness  of  sin  directly  from 
God's  word. 

376.  Why  then  should  we  x^onfess  our  sins  to  others  besides 
God? 

We  should  confess  our  sins  to  others  whom 
we  have  offended  in  order  that  we  may  become 
reconciled  to  them. 

We  should  confess  to  one  another,  and  also 
to  our  pastor,  when  our  conscience  is  burdened 
and  our  faith  is  weak,  in  order  that  we  may, 
through  their  instruction  and  advice,  be  en- 
couraged to  appropriate  the  promises  of  God 
to  our  comfort  and  to  the  full  assurance  of  sal- 
vation. 

377.  What  forms  of  public  confession  are  customary  in  our 
Church? 

The  ordinary  confession  in  the  church  serv- 
ice, and  the  sj^ecial  confession,  preparatory  to 
the  Lord's  Supper,  are  customary  among  us. 

(See  our  Liturgy.) 

Note.  Here  explain  our  preparatory  service,  especially  the 
evangelical  character  of  the  questions  and  answers,  as  contain- 
ing the  true  and  only  conditions  of  pardon  and  acceptance  with 
God;  then,  also,  set  forth  the  true  import  and  design  of  the 
absolution  that  follows. 


ABSTRACT  OF  CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE. 

Or  an  Analysis  of  the  Doctrines  of  Christian- 
ity, WHICH  MAY  BE  DIVIDED  INTO  TWO  PARTS, 
THE     FIRST     OF     WHICH     TREATS     OF     GOD,     AND     THE 

SECOND  OF  Man. 


First.    Of  God. 

I.  The  knowledge  of  God  we  derive  in  some  degree 

from 

a.  The  contemplation  of  the  works  of  nature.    Ps. 

xix.  1 ;  but 

b.  More    particularly    from    the    holy    Scriptures. 

John  V.  39. 

II.  The  riuture  of  God,  concerning  which  the  Scrip- 

tures declare, 

a.  There  is  but  one  God.    Mark  xii.  29. 

b.  That  there  are  three  persons  in  the  Godhead. 

Matt,  xxviii.  19. 

c.  That  God  is  a  spirit,  John  iv.  24;  the  highest 

good.  Matt.  xix.  17;  and  also  eternal, 
almighty,  omniscient,  omnipresent,  holy, 
righteous,  true,  and  benevolent.  1  Tim. 
vi.  15,  16;  Jer.  xxxii.  17-19. 

III.  The  works  of  God. 

A.  Creation.  God  made  all  things  in  six  days. 
Ps.  xxxiii.  6.  These  works  are  divided 
into, 
1.  Visible,  the  principal  of  which  is  man.  The 
first  of  the  human  race  were  Adam  and 
Eve.  Gen.  i.  27. 
(109) 


no         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

2.  Invisible,   the   principal   of    which   are   angels; 

a.  Good  angels,  holy  and  perfect  spirits.     Heb. 

i.  14.  Governing  the  world  under  God, 
and  particularly  protecting  the  virtuous. 
Ps.  xxxiv.  7,  xci.  11,  ciii.  20;  Matt,  xviii. 
10. 

b.  Evil  angels,  fallen  from  God,  devils.     John 

viii.  44;  1  Peter  v.  8.  Their  chief  is 
called  Satan.    Rev.  xii.  9. 

B.  Preservation.  God  supports  and  governs  all 
things.  Acts  xvii.  28.  The  divine  provi- 
dence may  be  considered  as  universal 
Ps.  civ.  27;  as  particular,  Isa.  xli.  4;  and 
as  most  particular,  Matt.  x.  30. 

Second.    Of  Man,  who  is  to  be  considered  in 
four  states,  viz. : 

I.  The  state  of  Innocence.    Man  was  created  without 

sin  after  the  pure  image  of  God.  Gen.  i. 
26,  27.  The  image  of  God  consisted  in 
the  conformity  of  man  to  his  Creator. 
Eph.  iv.  24;  Col.  iii.  10. 

II.  The  state   of  Sin.     Man,  through  the    fall  of 

Adam,  is  involved  in  sin  and  death. 
Rom.  v.  12. 

The  first  sin  of  Adam  was  a  proof  of  his  heart 
being  alienated  from  God,  and  his  affec- 
tions being  placed  on  objects  which  were 
displeasing  to  God.    Rom.  v.  10. 

Sin  is  unrighteousness,  or  whatever  is  contrary 
to  the  law  of  God.  1  John  iii.  4;  and  is 
two-fold : 
a.  Origiftal,  that  with  which  we  are  born.  Ps.  li. 
5;  Rom.  vii.  18,  23;  John  iii.  6.  It  con- 
sists in  a  propensity  to  things  forbid- 
den by  the  law  of  God,  and  an  aversion 
to  His  will. 


ABSTRACT  OF  CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE.    Ill 

b.  Actual.  Those  sins  are  so  called  which  are 
committed  by  ourselves,  in  thoughts 
(cherished),  words  or  deeds.  James  i. 
14,  15.  They  are  either  voluntary  or  in- 
voluntary. 1  John  V.  16. 
The  remaining  strength  which  we  have  by  na- 
ture, is  not  adequate  to  salvation.  1  Cor. 
ii.  14. 
III.  The  state  of  Grace,  in  which  man  is  redeemed 
from  sin  and  renewed  after  the  image  of 
God.    Here  are  to  be  noticed. 

A.  The  origin  of  grace,  the  author  of  which  is 

God  the  Father,  who  from  all  eternity 
has  designed  the  happiness  of  man.  Eph. 
i.  3-6. 

B.  The  purchase  of  grace  by  God  the  Son,  who  is 

to  be  considered  with  respect  to  His  per- 
son, His  offices,  and  His  states. 

1.  The  person  or  natures  of  Christ. 
His 

a.  Divine  nature.    John  i.  1. 

b.  Human  nature.    John  i.  14 ;  Heb.  ii.  14. 

2.  The  offices  of  Christ : 

a.  Prophetic.  Acts  iii.  22,  23.     Reformation. 

b.  Priestly.      Heb.    vii.    24-26.      Reconcilia- 

tion. 

c.  Kingly.     Luke  i.  32,  33.     Salvation. 

3.  The  states  of  Christ : 

a.  Humiliation.     Phil.   ii.    5-8.     His   concep- 

tion, birth,   sufferings,  death,  and  burial. 

b.  Exaltation.      Phil.    ii.    9-11.      His    descent 

into  hell,  resurrection,  ascension,  govern- 
ment of  the  world,  and  judgment  at  the 
last  day. 

C.  The  applicaiion  of  grace  to  man  is  made  by 

the  Holy  Ghost.     Here  are  to  be  consid- 
ered, 
1.  The  works  of  grace  or  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
which  are 


112         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

a.  Calling,   by   which   God,   through   the   me- 

dium of  His  word,  invites  us  to  be  saved. 
1  Pet.  ii.  9;  Rev.  iii.  20. 

b.  Illumination,    by    which    God    dispels    the 

natural  darkness  of  the  understanding, 
restores  the  liberty  of  the  will,  and  kin- 
dles faith  in  us.    2  Cor.  iv.  6. 

c.  Regeneration,    in  which   God   changes   our 

nature,  and  adopts  us  as  His  children  by 
engrafting  us  into  Christ,  and  making  us 
partakers  of  His  Spirit.  1  Pet.  i.  3,  4;  1 
John  V.  18. 

d.  Justification,    by    which    God    for    Christ's 

sake  assures  us  of  the  pardon  of  all  our 
past  sins.    Rom.  iii.  24-2t5,  viii.  1. 

e.  Union  with  God,  by  which  He  forms  such 

a  spiritual  connection  with  believers,  that 
they  become  established  in  faith,  and 
grow  in  grace.  John  xv.  1-5. 
/.  Sanctification,  by  which  God  strengthens 
our  faith,  so  that  we  may  in  a  more  per- 
fect mamier  forsake  all  evil  and  do  all 
that  which  is  good.  Eph.  iv.  22-24;  1 
Thess.  V.  23,  24. 

2.  The  means  of  grace.    These  are, 

a.  The  word  of   God,  contained  in  the  holy 

Scriptures.  2  Pet.  i.  19-21 ;  2  Tim.  iii.  15. 
This  consists  of  the  law.  Gal.  iii.  19-21, 
and  the  gospel,  Rom.  i.  16,  17. 

b.  The  sacraments  of  the  New  Testament,  viz. : 
\  Baptism,  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  Mark  xvi.  16, 

by  which  such  as  do  not  maliciously  re- 
sist, receive  the  Holy  Ghost,  Tit.  iii.  5, 
and  are  born  again,  John  iii.  5. 
'.  The  Lord's  Supper,  1  Cor.  xl.  23-29, 
where  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  are  in 
communion  with  bread  and  wine,  1  Cor. 
X.  16. 


ABSTRACT  OF  CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE.    113 

D.     The  reception  of  grace  by  man : 

1.  The  method  of  receiving  grace  is  by  repent- 

ance or  turning  to  God  by  a  change  of  the 
mind.    Acts  xxvi.  18. 

a.  Definition  of  repentance  :^  It  is  a  change  of 

the  heart  and  of  the  will. 

b.  The  parts  of  repentance  are, 

\  Sorrow  for  sin.    2  Cor.  vii.  10,  11. 

^  Faith  in  Christ.    John  v.  24;  Heb.  xi.  L 

c.  The  fruits  of   repentance. — These  are  dis- 

covered in  a  series  of  good  works  and  up- 
right conduct.     Eph.  ii.  10. 

d.  The  aids  to  grace  are,  besides  many  others, 

"the  cross,"  and  prayer. 

\  The  cross  is  every  kind  of  affliction  which 
God  suffers  to  come  upon  His  children  for 
their  good.     1  Pet.  iv.  12. 

^  Prayer  is  the  conversation  of  the  heart 
with  God,  by  which  we  ask  for  and  re- 
ceive grace,  strength,  and  every  thing 
which  we  need.    Matt.  vi.  6-8. 

2.  The  persons  who  receive  this  grace  are  the 

Christian  church.     1  Pet.  ii.  9. 
There  are  three  estates  or  orders  appointed 
by  God,  in  which  a  proper  doing  of  their 
respective    duties    tends    to   promote   the 
kingdom  of  God : 

a.  The  ministerial   estate,  or   office,   whereby 

provision  is  made  for  the  religious  in- 
struction of  the  people.  1  Pet.  v.  1-5 ; 
Heb.  xiii.  17. 

b.  The  political  estate,  or  office,  whereby  the 

government  of  whole  nations  is  regulated. 
Rom.  xiii.  1-7. 

c.  The  domestic  estate,  whereby  the  concerns 

of  families  are  regulated.  Eph.  v.  22-33^ 
vi.  1-9. 


114        LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

IV.  The  state  of  glorlficaiion,  in  which  the  right- 
eous will  be  entirely  delivered  from  all 
moral  evil,  and  be  made  eternally  happy. 
Here  we  notice, 

a.  The  four  last  things  which  precede  it,  viz.: 

1.  Death.     Eccl.  xii.  7;  Heb.  ix.  27. 

2.  Resurrection  from  the  dead.    John  v.  28,  29. 

Dan.  xii.  2. 

3.  Day  of  judgment.    2  Cor.  v.  10;  Matt.  xxv. 

31-46. 

4.  End  of  the  world.    2  Pet.  iii.  10. 

b.  The  state  of  glorification  itself,  everlasting  life. 

Matt.  xxv.  34;  1  John  iii.  2. 
£.  The  contrary  of  this,  or  the  state  of  the  wicked, 
eternal  death.     Matt.  xxv.  46;  Luke  xvi. 
23 ;  2  Thess.  i.  9, 


^ 


TABLE  OF  DUTIES. 


OF  MINISTERS,  TEACHERS  AND 
CHURCH  OFFICERS. 

1  Tim.  iii.  1-13:  This  is  a  true  saying,  If  a  man  de- 
sire the  office  of  a  bishop,  he  desireth  a  good  work.  A 
bishop  then  must  be  blameless,  the  husband  of  one 
wife,  vigilant,  sober,  of  good  behavior,  given  to  hos- 
pitality, apt  to  teach ;  Not  given  to  wine,  no  striker, 
not  greedy  of  filthy  lucre;  but  patient,  not  a  brawler, 
not  covetous ;  One  that  ruleth  well  in  his  own  house, 
having  his  children  in  subjection  with  all  gravity; 
(For  if  a  man  know  not  how  to  rule  his  own  house, 
how  shall  he  take  care  of  the  church  of  Grod?)  Not  a 
novice,  lest  being  lifted  up  with  pride  he  fall  into  the 
condemnation  of  the  devil.  Moreover  he  must  have 
a  good  report  of  them  which  are  without ;  lest  he  fall 
into  reproach  and  the  snare  of  the  devil.  Likewise 
must  the  deacons  be  grave,  not  doubletongued,  not 
given  to  much  wine,  not  greedy  of  filthy  lucre ;  Hold- 
ing the  mystery  of  the  faith  in  a  pure  conscience.  And 
let  these  also  first  be  proved;  then  let  them  use  the 
office  of  a  deacon,  being  found  blameless.  Even  so 
must  their  wives  be  grave,  not  slanderers,  sober,  faith- 
ful in  all  things.  Let  the  deacons  be  the  husbands  of 
one  wife,  ruling  their  children  and  their  own  houses 
well.  For  they  that  have  used  the  office  of  a  deacon 
well  purchase  to  themselves  a  good  degree,  and  great 
boldness  in  the  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

1  Tim.  iv.  12-16. 

1  Tim.  y.  20,  21. 

2  Tim.  ii,  22-26. 
2  Tim.  iv.  1-5. 
Tit.  i.  5-11. 

(115) 


116         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

Tit.  ii  7,  8:  In  all  things  shewing  thyself  a  pattern 
of  good  works :  in  doctrine  shewing  uncorruptness, 
gravity,  sincerity,  sound  speech,  that  cannot  be  con- 
demned ;  that  he  that  is  of  the  contrary  part  may  be 
ashamed,  having  no  evil  thing  to  say  of  you. 

Acts  XX.  17-28. 


OF  HEARERS,  PUPILS  AND  CHURCH- 
MEMBERS. 

Luke  X.  7 :  And  in  the  same  house  remain,  eating 
and  drinking  such  things  as  they  give :  for  the  la- 
bourer is  worthy  of  his  hire.  Go  not  from  house  to 
house. 

1  Cor.  ix.  13,  14:  Do  ye  not  know  that  they  which 
minister  about  holy  things  live  of  the  things  of  the 
temple?  and  they  which  wait  at  the  altar  are  par- 
takers with  the  altar?  Even  so  hath  the  Lord  or- 
dained that  they  which  preach  the  gospel  should  live 
of  the  gospel. 

Gal.  vi.  6:  Let  him  that  is  taught  in  the  word  com- 
municate unto  him  that  teacheth  in  all  good  things. 

Phil.  iv.  ^ :  And  I  entreat  thee  also,  true  yoke- 
fellow, help  those  women  which  laboured  with  me  in 
the  gospel,  with  Clement  also,  and  with  other  my 
fellow-labourers,  whose  names  are  in  the  book  of  life. 

1  Tim.  V.  17,  18:  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well  be 
counted  worthy  of  double  honour,  especially  they  who 
labour  in  the  word  and  doctrine.  For  the  scripture 
saith,  Thou  shalt  not  muzzle  the  ox  that  treadeth  out 
the  corn.    And,  The  labourer  is  worthy  of  his  reward. 

1  Thess.  V.  12,  13:  And  we  beseech  you,  brethren, 
to  know  them  which  labour  among  you,  and  are  over 
you  in  the  Lord,  and  admonish  you :  And  to  esteem 
them  very  highly  in  love  for  their  work's  sake.  And 
be  at  peace  among  yourselves. 

2  Thess.  iii.  1,  2:  Finally,  brethren,  pray  for  us, 
that  the  word  of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course,  and 
be  glorified,  even  as  it  is  w^th  you :   And  that  we  may 


TABLE  OF  DUTIES  117 

be  delivered  from  unreasonable  and  wicked  men:    for 
all  men  have  not  faith. 

Heb.  xiii.  7,  17:  Remember  them  which  have  the 
rule  over  you,  who  have  spoken  unto  you  the  word  of 
God:  whose  faith  follow,  considering  the  end  of  their 
conversation:  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you, 
and  submit  yourselves :  for  they  watch  for  your  souls, 
as  they  that  must  give  account ;  that  they  may  do  it 
with  joy,  and  not  with  grief :  for  that  is  unprofitable 
for  you. 


OF  CIVIL  GOVERNMENT  AND  RULERS. 

Exod.  xviii.  19-23 :  Hearken  now  unto  my  voice,  I 
will  give  thee  counsel:  and  God  shall  be  with  thee: 
be  thou  for  the  people  to  God-ward,  that  thou  may- 
est  bring  the  causes  unto  God :  And  thou  shalt  teach 
them  ordinances  and  laws,  and  shalt  shew  them  the 
way  wherein  they  must  walk,  and  the  work  that  they 
must  do.  Moreover,  thou  shalt  provide  out  of  all 
the  people  able  men,  such  as  fear  God,  men  of 
truth,  hating  covetousness,  and  place  such  over  them, 
to  be  rulers  of  thousands,  and  rulers  of  hundreds, 
rulers  of  fifties,  and  rulers  of  tens :  And  let  them 
judge  the  people  at  all  seasons:  and  it  shall  be,  that 
every  great  matter  they  shall  bring  unto  thee;  but 
every  small  matter  they  shall  judge:  so  shall  it  be 
easier  for  thyself,  and  they  shall  bear  the  burden 
with  thee.  If  thou  shalt  do  this  thing,  and  God  com- 
mand thee  so,  then  thou  shalt  be  able  to  endure, 
and  all  this  people  shall  also  go  to  their  place  in 
peace. 

Deut.  i.  15-17. 

Deut.  xvii.  14-20. 

2  Sam.  xxiii.  1-4:^  Now  these  be  the  last  words  of 
David.  David  the  son  of  Jesse  said,  and  the  man  who 
was  raised  upon  high,  the  anointed  of  the  God  of 
Jacob,  and  the  sweet  psalmist  of  Israel,  said,  The 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  spake  by  me,  and  his  word  was  in 


118         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

my  tongue.  The  God  of  Israel  said,  the  Rock  of 
Israel  spake  to  me,  He  that  ruleth  over  men  must  be 
just,  ruling  in  the  fear  of  God:  And  he  shall  be  as 
the  light  of  the  morning,  when  the  sun  riseth,  even  a 
morning  without  clouds;  as  the  tender  grass  spring- 
ing out  of  the  earth  by  clear  shining  after  rain. 

Deut.  xvi.  19-20:  Thou  shalt  not  wrest  judgment; 
thou  shalt  not  respect  persons,  neither  take  a  gift:  for 
a  gift  doth  blind  the  eyes  of  the  wise,  and  pervert  the 
words  of  the  righteous.  That  which  is  altogether 
just  shalt  thou  follow,  that  thou  mayest  live  and  in- 
herit the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

2  Chron.  xix.  6,  7:  And  said  to  the  judges,  Take 
heed  what  ye  do:  for  ye  judge  not  for  man,  but  for 
the  Lord,  who  is  with  you  in  the  judgment.  Where- 
fore now,  let  the  fear  of  the  Lord  be  unto  you ;  take 
heed  and  do  it :  for  there  is  no  iniquity  with  the  Lord 
our  God,  nor  respect  of  persons,  nor  taking  of  gifts. 

Prov.  XX.  8,  26:  A  king  that  sitteth  in  the  throne 
of  judgment  scattereth  away  all  evil  with  his  eyes. 
A  wise  king  scattereth  the  wicked,  and  bringeth  the 
wheel  over  them. 

Jer.  xxii.  1-9. 

2  Chron.  i.  7-12. 

1  Sam.  XV.  16-26. 

2  Kings  xviii.  1-7. 


OF  SUBJECTS  OR  CITIZENS. 

Rom.  xiii.  1-7:  Let  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the 
higher  powers.  For  there  is  no  power  but  of  God; 
the  powers  that  be  are  ordained  of  God.  Whosoever 
therefore,  resistcth  the  power,  resisteth  the  ordinance  of 
God:  and  they  that  resist  shall  receive  to  themselves 
damnation.  For  rulers  are  not  a  terror  to  good  works, 
but  to  the  evil.  Wilt  thou  then  not  be  afraid  of  the 
power?  do  that  which  is  good,  and  thou  shalt  have 
praise  of  the  same :  For  he  is  the  minister  of  God  to 
ihee  for  good.     But  if  thou  do  that  which  is  evil,  be 


TABLE  OF  DUTIES.  119 

afraid ;  for  he  beareth  not  the  sword  in  vain :  for  he  is 
the  minister  of  God,  a  revenger  to  execute  wrath  upon 
him  that  doeth  evil.  Wherefore  ye  must  needs  be 
subject,  not  only  for  wrath,  but  also  for  conscience 
sake.  For  this  cause  pay  ye  tribute  also :  for  they  are 
God's  ministers,  attending  continually  upon  this  very 
thing.  Render  therefore  to  all  their  dues :  tribute  to 
whom  tribute  is  due;  custom  to  whom  custom;  fear 
to  whom  fear ;  honour  to  whom  honour. 

1  Tim.  ii.  1-4:  I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all, 
supplications,  prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving  of 
thanks,  be  made  for  all  men;  For  kings,  and  for  all 
that  are  in  authority;  that  we  may  lead  a  quiet  and 
peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and  honesty.  For  this  is 
good  and  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God  our  Saviour ; 
Who  will  have  all  men  to  be  saved,  and  to  come  unto 
the  knowledge  of  the  truth. 

Tit.  iii.  1 :  Put  them  in  mind  to  be  subject  to  princi- 
palities and  powers,  to  obey  magistrates,  to  be  ready 
to  every  good  work. 

1  Pet.  ii.  13-17 :  Submit  yourselves  to  every  ordi- 
nance of  man  for  the  Lord's  sake:  whether  it  be  to 
the  king,  as  supreme ;  Or  unto  governors,  as  unto 
them  that  are  sent  by  him  for  the  punishment  of  evil 
doers,  and  for  the  praise  of  them  that  do  well.  For 
so  is  the  will  of  God,  that  with  well  doing  ye  may  put 
to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men :  As  free,  and 
not  using  your  liberty  for  a  cloak  of  maliciousness, 
but  as  the  servants  of  God.  Honour  all  men.  Love 
the  brotherhood.    Fear  God.    Honour  the  king. 

Matt.  xvii.  24-27. 

Matt.  xxii.  15-21. 


OF  HUSBANDS. 
1  Pet.  iii.  7 :  Likewise,  ye  husbands,  dwell  with 
them  according  to  knowledge,  giving  honour  unto  the 
wife,  as  unto  the  weaker  vessel,  and  as  being  heirs  to- 
gether of  the  grace  of  life ;  that  your  prayers  be  not 
hindered. 


120         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

Eph.  V.  25,  28:  Husbands,  love  your  wives,  even 
•as  Christ  also  loved  the  church,  and  gave  himself  for 
it ;  So  ought  men  to  love  their  wives  as  their  own 
bodies.  He  that  loveth  his  wife  loveth  himself.  33: 
Nevertheless  let  every  one  of  you  in  particular  so  love 
his  wife  even  as  himself;  and  the  wife  see  that  she 
reverence  her  husband. 

Col.  iii.  19 :  Husbands,  love  your  wives,  and  be  not 
bitter  against  them. 


OF  WIVES. 

Eph.  v.  22-24:  Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your 
own  husbands,  as  unto  the  Lord.  For  the  husband  is 
the  head  of  the  wife,  even  as  Christ  is  the  head  of  the 
church :  and  he  is  the  Saviour  of  the  body.  There- 
fore as  the  church  is  subject  unto  Christ,  so  let  the 
wives  be  to  their  own  husbands  in  every  thing. 

1  Pet.  iii.  1-6. 

Col.  iii.  18:  Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your 
own  husbands,  as  it  is  fit  in  the  Lord. 

Titus  ii.  4,  5 :  That  they  may  teach  the  young  wo- 
men to  be  sober,  to  love  their  husbands,  to  love  their 
children.  To  be  discreet,  chaste,  keepers  at  home, 
good,  obedient  to  their  own  husbands,  that  the  word 
of  God  be  not  blasphemed. 


OF  PARENTS. 

Deut.  vi.  4-7 :  Hear,  O  Israel :  The  Lord  our  God  is 
one  Lord :  And  thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with 
all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
might.  And  these  words,  which  I  command  thee  this 
day,  shall  be  in  thine  heart.  And  thou  shalt  teach 
them  diligently  unto  thy  children,  and  shalt  talk  of 
them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine  house,  and  when  thou 
walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and 
when  thou  risest  up. 

Eph.    vi.    4:     And,    ye    fathers,    provoke   not   your 


TABLE  OF  DUTIES.  121 

children  to  wrath :  but  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Col.  iii.  21 :  Fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to 
anger,  lest  they  be  discouraged. 

Josh.  xxiv.  15. 

(jen.  xviii.  17-19. 


OF  CHILDREN. 

Eph.  vi.  1-3 :  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the 
Lord :  for  this  is  right.  Honour  thy  father  and  mo- 
ther;  (which  is  the  first  commandment  with  promise;) 
That  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  thou  mayest  live 
long  on  the  earth. 

Col.  iii.  20:  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  all 
things :    for  this  is  well  pleasing  unto  the  Lord. 

Luke  ii.  51 :  And  he  went  down  with  them,  and 
came  to  Nazareth,  and  was  subject  unto  them:  but 
his  mother  kept  all  these  sayings  in  her  heart. 


OF  SERVANTS. 

Eph.  vi.  5-8 :  Servants,  be  obedient  to  them  that  are 
your  masters  according  to  the  flesh,  with  fear  and 
trembling,  in  singleness  of  your  hearts  as  unto  Christ ; 
Not  with  eyeservice,  as  menpleasers ;  but  as  the  ser- 
vants of  Christ,  doing  the  will  of  God  from  the  heart; 
With  good  will  doing  service,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not 
to  men :  Knowing  that  whatsoever  good  thing  any 
man  doeth,  the  same  shall  he  receive  of  the  Lord, 
whether  he  be  bond  or  free. 

Col.  iii.  22-25. 

Titus  ii.  9,  10:  Exhort  servants  to  be  obedient  unto 
their  own  masters,  and  to  please  them  well  in  all 
things,  not  answering  again ;  Not  purloining,  but 
showing  all  good  fidelity;  that  they  may  adorn  the 
doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things. 

1  Pet.  ii.  18-21. 


122         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

OF  MASTERS. 

Eph.  vi.  9:  And,  ye  masters,  do  the  same  things 
unto  them,  forbearing  threatening:  knowing  that 
your  Master  also  is  in  heaven;  neither  is  there  re- 
spect of  persons  with  him. 

Col.  iv.  1 :  Masters,  give  unto  your  servants  that 
which  is  just  and  equal;  knowing  that  ye  also  have 
a  Master  in  heaven. 

Philemon  10-18. 


OF  THE  AGED   AND  THEIR  INFERIORS. 

Prov.  xvi.  31 :  The  hoary  head  is  a  crown  of  glory, 
if  it  be  found  in  the  way  of  righteousness. 

Levit.  xix.  32:  Thou  shalt  rise  up  before  the  hoary 
head,  and  honour  the  face  of  the  old  man,  and  fear 
thy  God :    I  am  the  Lord. 

Job  xxxii.  4-12. 

Prov.  v.  7-14. 

1  Tim.  V.  1,  2:  Rebuke  not  an  elder,  but  intreat 
him  as  a  father ;  and  the  younger  men  as  brethren : 
The  elder  women  as  mothers ;  the  younger  as  sisters, 
with  all  purity. 

1  Pet.  V.  5 :  Likewise,  ye  younger,  submit  your- 
selves unto  the  elder.  Yea,  all  of  you  be  subject  one 
to  another,  and  be  clothed  with  humility:  for  God 
resisteth  the  proud,  and  giveth  grace  to  the  humble. 


OF  WIDOWS. 

1  Tim.  V.  3-6:  Honour  widows  that  are  widows 
indeed.  But  if  any  widow  have  children  or  nephews, 
let  them  learn  first  to  show  piety  at  home,  and  to  re- 
quite their  parents :  for  that  is  good  and  acceptable 
before  God.  Now  she  that  is  a  widow  indeed,  and 
desolate,  trusteth  in  God,  and  continueth  in  supplica- 
tions and  prayers  night  and  day.  But  she  that  liveth 
in  pleasure  is  dead  while  she  liveth. 


TABLE  OF  DUTIES.  123 

OF  THE  WHOLE  CHURCH. 

Micah  vi.  6-8:  Wherewith  shall  I  come  before  the 
Lord,  and  bow  myself  before  the  high  God?  shall  I 
come  before  him  with  burnt  offerings,  with  calves  of 
a  year  old?  Will  the  Lord  be  pleased  with  thousands 
of  rams,  or  with  ten  thousands  of  rivers  of  oil?  shall 
I  give  my  first-born  for  my  transgression,  the  fruit  of 
my  body  for  the  sin  of  my  soul?  He  hath  shewed 
thee,  O  man,  what  is  good;  and  what  doth  the  Lord 
require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy, 
and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God  ? 

Matt,  xxii.  36-40:  Master,  which  is  the  great  com- 
mandment in  the  law?  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Thou 
shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the 
first  and  great  commandment.  And  the  second  is  like 
unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  On 
these  two  commandments  hang  all  the  law  and  the 
prophets. 

Rom.  xii.  10:  Be  kindly  affectioned  one  to  another 
with  brotherly  love;  in  honour  preferring  one  another. 

Rom.  xiii,  8,  10:  Owe  no  man  any  thing,  but  to 
love  one  another:  for  he  that  loveth  another  hath 
fulfilled  the  law.  Love  worketh  no  ill  to  his  neigh- 
bor :   therefore  love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law. 

Matt.  V.  44,  45 :  But  I  say  unto  you,  Love  your  ene- 
mies, bless  them  that  curse  you,  do  good  to  them  that 
hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despitefully  use 
you,  and  persecute  you ;  That  ye  may  be  the  children 
of  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven :  for  he  maketh  his 
sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the  good,  and  sendeth 
rain  on  the  just  and  on  the  unjust. 

Gal.  vi.  10:  As  we  have  therefore  opportunity,  let 
us  do  good  unto  all  men,  especially  unto  them  who 
are  of  the  household  of  faith. 

1  Tim.  ii.  8:  I  will  therefore  that  men  pray  every 
where,  lifting  up  holy  hands,  without  wrath  and 
doubting. 

Phil.  ii.  3-8:    Let  nothing  be  done  through  strife  or 


124         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

vainglory ;  but  in  lowliness  of  mind  let  each  esteem 
other  better  than  themselves.  Look  not  every  man 
on  his  own  things,  but  every  man  also  on  the  things 
of  others.  Let  this  mind  be  in  you,  which  was  also  in 
Christ  Jesus:  Who,  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought 
it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God :  But  made  him- 
self of  no  reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  of 
a  servant,  and  was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men:  And 
being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  himself, 
and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of 
the  cross. 

Eph.  V.  21 :  Submitting  yourselves  one  to  another 
in  the  fear  of  God. 

1  Pet.  iii.  8,  9 :  Finally,  be  ye  all  of  one  mind,  hav- 
ing compassion  one  of  another,  love  as  brethren,  be 
pitiful,  be  courteous:  Not  rendering  evil  for  evil,  or 
railing  for  railing :  but  contrariwise  blessing ;  know- 
ing that  ye  are  thereunto  called,  that  ye  should  inherit 
a  blessing. 

Matt.  vii.  12:  Therefore  all  things  whatsoever  ye 
would  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to 
them :    for  this  is  the  law  and  the  prophets. 

1  Thess.  V.  14-22. 

Matt,  xviii.  15- 18. 


PRAYERS. 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

"Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name ;  thy  kingdom  come ;  thy  will  be  done  on  earth, 
as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread ; 
and  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who 
trespass  against  us.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation, 
but  deliver  us  from  evil :  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.    Amen." 


A  MORNING  PRAYER. 

I  give  thanks  unto  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for 
guarding  me  through  the  night  from  all  harm  and 
danger ;  and  beseech  thee  to  take  me  this  day  into  thy 
holy  keeping.  Vouchsafe  to  preserve  me  from  every 
evil,  particularly  from  the  great  evil  and  misery  of 
sin ;  and  grant  that  my  life  and  conduct  may  be  ac- 
ceptable and  pleasing  in  thy  sight.  O  fill  my  under- 
standing with  useful  knowledge,  and  my  heart  with 
good  dispositions  and  affections.  Bless  thou  my 
beloved  parents,  my  friends,  my  instructors,  and  all 
my  brethren  of  mankind;  for  the  sake  of  thy  Son, 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord  and  Saviour.    Amen. 


AN  EVENING  PRAYER. 

O    Almighty    God,    most    merciful    Father,    to   thy 
tender  love  I  owe  my  safety  through  the  past  day,  to- 
gether with  all  the  comforts  of  this  life,  and  the  hopes 
of  that  which  is  to  come!     I  bless  thy  holy  name  for 
(125) 


126         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

the  preservation  of  my  health,  for  the  love  of  my 
friends,  and  for  all  thy  goodness  bestowed  on  me  from 
time  to  time.  O  give  me  a  thankful  and  obedient 
heart ;  and  pardon  all  the  errors  and  sins  of  which  I 
have  been  guilty.  Grant  that  the  good  instructions  I 
have  received  this  day,  may  be  carefully  remembered 
and  practiced.  Vouchsafe  to  protect  and  defend  me, 
and  all  mankind,  from  the  dangers  of  this  night ;  for 
thy  infinite  love  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.     Amen. 


GRACE  BEFORE  MEAT. 

Our  father,  who  art  in  heaven,  bless  the  provisions 
of  thy  bounty  now  set  before  us,  and  feed  our  souls 
with  the  bread  of  life,  for  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


GRACE  AFTER  MEAT. 

We  thank  thee,  heavenly  Father,  that  thou  hast 
again  supplied  our  returning  wants.  Continue,  we 
pray  thee,  to  be  our  God  and  keeper,  supply  the 
wants  of  the  destitute,  and  fill  the  earth  with  thy 
glory,  for  Christ's  sake.    Amen. 


HYMNS. 


1.  S.  M. 

1  Oh,  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul! 

Let  all  within  me  join, 
And  aid  my  tongue  to  bless  His  name 
Whose  favors  are  divine. 

2  Oh,  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul ! 

Nor  let  His  mercies  lie, 

Forgotten  in  unthankfulness. 

And  without  praises  die. 

3  'Tis  He  forgives  thy  sins ; 

'Tis  He  relieves  thy  pain ; 
'Tis  He  that  heals  thy  sicknesses, 
And  gives  thee  strength  again. 

4  He  crowns  thy  life  with  love. 

When  rescued  from  the  grave, 
He  that  redeem'd  our  souls  from  death, 
Hath  boundless  power  to  save. 


8s  &  7s. 
1  Praise  the  Lord !  ye  heavens,  adore  Him, 
Praise  Him,  angels  in  the  height ; 
Sun  and  moon,  rejoice  before  Him; 
Pras-ie  Him,  all  ye  stars  of  light ! 

3  Praise  the  Lord — for  He  hath  spoken ; 
Worlds  His  mighty  voice  obey'd ; 
Laws  which  never  shall  be  broken, 
For  their  guidance  He  hath  made. 
(127) 


128         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 


3  Praise  the  Lord — for  He  is  glorious ; 
Never  shall  His  promise  fail ; 
God  hath  made  His  saints  victorious, 
Sin  and  death  shall  not  prevail. 

\  Praise  the  God  of  our  salvation, 

Hosts  on  high  His  power  proclaim; 
Heaven  and  earth,  and  all  creation, 
Laud  and  magnify  His  name. 


8s  &  7b. 


1  Come,  thou  Fount  of  every  blessing, 

Tune  my  heart  to  sing  Thy  grace ; 
Streams  of  mercy,  never  ceasing. 

Call  for  songs  of  loudest  praise: 
Teach  me  some  melodious  measure, 

Sung  by  flaming  tongues  above ; 
Fill  my  soul  with  sacred  pleasure. 

While  I  sing  redeeming  love. 

2  Here  I  raise  mine  Ebenezer, 

Hither  by  Thy  help  I've  come, 
And  I  hope,  by  Thy  good  pleasure, 

Safely  to  arrive  at  home. 
Jesus  sought  me  when  a  stranger, 

Wand'ring  from  the  fold  of  God ; 
He,  to  save  my  soul  from  danger, 

Interposed  His  precious  blood. 

3  Oh !  to  grace  how  great  a  debtor 

Daily  I'm  constrain'd  to  be  1 
Let  that  grace,  Lord,  like  a  fetter, 

Bind  my  wand'ring  heart  to  Thee! 
Prone  to  wander.  Lord,  I  feel  it ; 

Prone  to  leave  the  God  I  love — 
Here's  my  heart.  Lord,  take  and  seal  it, 

Seal  it  for  Thy  courts  above. 


HYMNS.  129 

C.  M. 


1  Lord,  all  I  am  is  known  to  Thee ; 

In  vain  my  soul  would  try 
To  shun  Thy  presence,  or  to  flee 
The  notice  of  Thine  eye. 

2  Thine  all-surrounding  sight  surveys 

My  rising  and  my  rest, 
My  public  walks,  my  private  ways. 
And  secrets  of  my  breast. 

3  My  thoughts  lie  open  to  Thee.  Lord, 

Before  they're  form'd  within; 
And  ere  my  lips  pronounce  the  word 
Thou  know'st  the  sense  I  mean. 

4  Oh.  wondrous  knowledge,  deep  and  high : 

\\'here  can  a  creature  hide? 
Within  Thy  circling  arms  I  lie, 
Beset  on  ev'ry  side. 

5  So  let  Thy  grace  surround  me  still, 

And  like  a  bulwark  prove, 
To  guard  my  soul  from  ev'ry  ill. 
Secured  by  sovereign  love. 


5.  C.  M. 

1  My  God,  how  w'onderful  Thou  art, 

Thy  majesty  how  bright! 
How  glorious  is  Thy  mercy-seat, 
In  depths  of  burning  light ! 

2  Yet  I  may  love  Thee  too,  O  Lord, 

Almighty  as  Thou  art ; 
For  Thou  hast  stooped  to  ask  of  me 
The  love  of  my  poor  heart. 

3  No  earthly  father  loves  like  Thee, 

No  mother  half  so  mild. 
Bears  and  forbears,  as  Thou  hast  done 
With  me,  Thy  sinful  child. 


130         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

4  My  God,  how  wonderful  Thou  art, 
Thou  everlasting  Friend ! 
On  Thee  I  stay  my  trusting  heart. 
Till  faith  and  vision  end. 


1  Salvation,  oh,  the  joyful  sound! 

'Tis  music  to  our  ears; 
A  sov'reign  balm  for  ev'ry  wound, 
A  cordial  for  our  fears. 

2  Buried  in  sorrow  and  in  sin, 

At  hell's  dark  door  we  lay; 
But  we  arise  by  grace  divine, 
To  see  a  heavenly  day. 

3  Salvation !  let  the  echo  fly 

The  spacious  earth  around ; 

While  all  the  armies  of  the  sky 

Conspire  to  raise  tjie  sound. 

4  Salvation!  O  Thou  bleeding  Lamb, 

To  Thee  the  praise  belongs : 
Our  hearts  shall  kindle  at  Thy  name. 
Thy  name  inspire  our  songs. 


C.  M. 


7.  C.  M. 

1  I've  found  the  pearl  of  greatest  price; 

My  heart  doth  sing  for  joy; 
And  sing  I  must,  for  Christ  is  mine — 
Christ  shall  my  song  employ. 

2  Christ  is  my  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King ; 

My  Prophet  full  of  light; 
My  great  High  Priest  before  the  throne; 
My  King  of-heavenly  might. 

3  For  he  indeed  is  Lord  of  lords, 

And  He  the  King  of  kings; 

He  is  the  Sun  of  Righteousness, 

With  healing  in  His  wings. 


HYMNS.  131 

4  Christ  is  my  Peace :    He  died  for  me, 

For  me  He  gave  His  blood ; 
And,  as  my  wondrous  sacrifice, 
Offered  Himself  to  God. 

5  Christ  Jesus  is  my  All  in  All, 

My  comfort  and  my  love ; 

My  life  below,  and  He  shall  be 

Aly  joy  and  crown  above. 


L.  M. 


1  When  I  survey  the  wondrous  cross 

On  which  the  Prince  of  glory  died, 
My  richest  gain  I  count  but  loss, 
And  pour  contempt  on  all  my  pride. 

2  Forbid  it,  Lord,  that  I  should  boast, 

Save  in  the  death  of  Christ  my  God ; 
All  the  vain  things  that  charm  me  most, 
I  sacrifice  them  to  His  blood. 

3  See  from  His  head.  His  hands,  His  feet, 

Sorrow  and  love  flow  mingled  down; 
Did  e'er  such  love  and  sorrow  meet? 
Or  thorns  compose  so  rich  a  crown? 

4  Were  the  whole  realm  of  nature  mine, 

That  were  a  present  far  too  small ; 
Love  so  amazing,  so  divine, 

Demands  my  soul,  my  life,  my  all. 


H.  M. 


Jesus,  my  great  High  Priest, 
Offer'd  His  blood  and  died; 

My  guilty  conscience  seeks 
No  sacrifice  beside. 

His  powerful  blood  did  once  atone, 

And  now  it  pleads  before  the  throne. 


132         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

2  To  this  dear  Surety's  hand 

Will  I  commit  my  cause ; 
He  answers  and  fulfills 

His  Father's  broken  laws. 
Behold  my  soul  at  freedom  set ; 
My  Surety  paid  the  dreadful  debt. 

3  My  Advocate  appears 

For  my  defence  on  high; 
The  Father  bows  His  ears, 

And  lays  His  thunder  by. , 
Not  all  that  hell  or  sin  can  say, 
Shall  turn  His  heart,  His  love  away. 

4  Should  all  the  hosts  of  death, 

And  powers  of  hell  unknown, 
Put  their  most  dreadful  forms 

Of  rage  and  mischief  on, 
I  shall  be  safe,  for  Christ  displays 
Superior  power  and  guardian  grace. 


10.  _  CM 

1  To  our  Redeemer's  glorious  name 

Awake  the  sacred  song ! 
Oh,  may  His  love,  immortal  flame, 
Tune  cv'ry  heart  and  tongue ! 

2  His  love  what  mortal  thought  can  reach : 

What  mortal  tongue  display ! 
Imagination's  utmost  stretch 
In  wonder  dies  away. 

3  He  left  His  radiant  throne  on  high. 

Left  the  bright  realms  of  bliss. 
And  came  to  earth  to  bleed  and  die ! 
Was  ever  love  like  this? 

4  Dear  Lord,  while  we  adoring  pay 

Our  humble  thanks  to  Thee, 
Alay  every  heart  with  rapture  say, 
"The  Saviour  died  for  me." 


n. 


HYMNS.  133 


1  Gracious  Spirit— Love  divine  ! 
Let  Thy  light  within  me  shine : 
All  my'guilty  fears  remove; 
Fill  me  with  Thy  heavenly  love. 

2  Speak  Thy  pard'ning  grace  to  me 
Set  the  burden'd  sinner  free ; 
Lead  me  to  the  Lamb  of  God  ; 
Wash  me  in  His  precious  blood. 

3  Life  and  peace  to  me  impart. 
Seal  salvation  on  my  heart ; 
Dwell  Thyself  within  my  breast, 
Earnest  of  immortal  rest. 

4  Let  me  never  from  Thee  stray; 
Keep  me  in  the  narrow  way ; 
Fill  my  soul  with  joy  divine; 
Keep  me.  Lord,  forever  Thine. 


1  O   Thou  that  hear'st   when   sinners   cry; 
Though  all  my  crimes  before  Thee  lie. 
Behold  them  not  with  angry  look; 

But  blot  their  mem'ry  from  Thy  bool:. 

2  Create  my  nature  pure  within,  _ 
And  form  my  soul  averse  to  sin : 
Let  Thy  good  Spirit  ne'er  depart. 
Nor  hide  Thy  presence  from  my  heart. 

3  I  cannot  live  without  Thy  light. 

Cast  out  and  banish'd  from  Thy  sight 
Thv  holy  joys,  O  God,  restore, 
And  guard  me  that  I  fall  no  more. 

4  A  broken  heart,  my  God,  my  King, 
Is  all  the  sacrifice  I  bring: 

The  God  of  grace  will  ne'er  despise 
A  broken  heart  for  sacrifice. 


134         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

13.  7s. 

1  Rock  of  Ages !  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee ! 
Let  the  Water  and  the  Blood, 
From  Thy  riven  side  that  flowed, 
Be  of  sin  the  double  cure ; 

Save  me,  Lord,  and  make  nie  pure. 

2  Not  the  labors  of  my  hands 
Can  fulfill  Thy  Law's  demands : 
Could  my  zeal  no  respite  know. 
Could  my  tears  forever  flow, 
All  for  sin  could  not  atone : 
Thou  must  save,  and  Thou  alone ! 

3  Nothing  in  my  hand  I  bring, 
Simply  to  Thy  Cross  I  cling ; 
Naked,  come  to  Thee  for  dress ; 
Helpless,  look  to  Thee  for  grace ; 
Foul,  I  to  the  Fountain  fly; 
Wash  me,  Saviour,  or  I  die ! 

4  While  I  draw  this  fleeting  breath, 
When  mine  eyelids  close  in  death. 
When  I  rise  to  worlds  unknown, 
See  Thee  on  Thy  judgment  throne, — 
Rock  of  Ages !  cleft  for  me, 

Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee! 


14.  L.  M. 

1  Just  as  I  am,  without  one  plea, 

But  that  Thy  Blood  was  shed  for  me. 
And  that  Thou  bidd'st  me  come  to  Thee, 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come! 

2  Just  as  I  am,  and  waiting  not, 
To  rid  my  soul  of  one  dark  blot. 

To  Thee,  whose  Blood  can  cleanse  each  spot, 
O  Lamb  of  God,  1  come  1 


HYMNS.  135 

3  Just  as  I  am,  though  toss'd  about 
With  many  a  conflict,  many  a  doubt, 
Fightings  and  fears  within,  without, 

O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come ! 

4  Just  as  I  am,  poor,  wretched,  blind ; 
Sight,  riches,  healing  of  the  mind, 
Yea,  all  I  need,  in  Thee  to  find, 

O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come! 

5  Just  as  I  am ;  Thou  wilt  receive. 

Wilt  welcome,  pardon,  cleanse,  relieve; 
Because  Thy  promise  I  believe, 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come ! 

6  Just  as  I  am ;  Thy  Love  unknown 
Has  broken  every  barrier  down; 
Now  to  be  Thine,  3^ea,  Thine  alone, 

O  Lamb  of  God.  I  come ! 


15.  .  C.  M. 

1  O  Jesus,  Saviour  of  the  lost, 

My  Rock  and  Hiding-place, 
By  storms  of  sin  and  sorrow  toss'd, 
I  seek  Thy  shelt'ring  grace. 

2  Guilty,  forgive  me,  Lord,  I  cry, 

Pursued  by  foes  I  come; 
A  sinner,  save  me,  or  I  die ; 
An  outcast,  take  me  home. 

3  Once  safe  in  Thine  almighty  arms. 

Let  storms  come  on  amain : 
There  danger  never,  never  harms ; 
There  death  itself  is  gain. 

4  And  when  I  stand  before  Thy  throne 

And  all  Thy  glory  see, 
Still  be  my  righteousness  alone 
To  hide  myself  in  Thee. 


136         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHLSM. 

16.  C.  M. 

1  Oh,  for  a  heart  to  praise  my  God, 

A  heart  from  sin  set  free ! 
A  heart  that  always  feels  Thy  blood, 
So  freely  spilt  for  me! 

2  A  heart  resign'd,  submissive,  meek, 

My  great  Redeemer's  throne  ; 
Where  only  Christ  is  heard  to  speak. 
Where  Jesus  reigns  alone. 

3  Oh,  for  a  lowly,  contrite  heart. 

Believing,  true,  and  clean ; 
Which  neither  life  nor  death  can  part 
From  Him  that  dwells  within. 

4  A  heart  in  ev'ry  thought  rencw'd. 

And  full  of  love  divine ; 
Perfect,  and  right,   and  pure,   and  good, 
A  copy,  Lord,  of  Thine ! 


17.  6s  &  4s. 

1  My  faith  looks  up  to  Thee, 
Thou  Lamb  of  Calvary, 

Saviour  divine ! 
Now  hear  me  while  I  pray ; 
Take  all  my  guilt  away ; 
Oh,  let  mc  from  this  day 

Be  wholly  Thine ! 

2  May  Thy  rich  grace  impart 
Strength  to  my  fainting  heart, 

Aly  zeal  inspire ! 
As  Thou  hast  died  for  me, 
Oh,  may  my  love  to  Thee 
Pure,  warm,  and  changeless  be, 

A  living  fire! 


HYMNS.  137 

While  life's  dark  maze  I  tread, 
And  griefs  around  me  spread, 

Be  Thou  my  Guide; 
Bid  darkness  turn  to  day, 
Wipe  sorrow's  tears  away, 
Nor  let  me  ever  stray 

From  Thee  aside. 

When  ends  life's  transient  dream, 
When  death's  cold  sullen  stream 

Shall  o'er  me  roll ; 
Blest  Saviour,  then,  in  love, 
Fear  and  distrust  remove  ; 
Oh,  bear  me  safe  above, 

A  ransom'd  soul ! 


18.  8s  7s  &  4s. 

1  Guide  me,  O  Thou  great  Jehovah ! 

Pilgrim  through  this  barren  land ; 
I  am  weak,  but  Thou  art  mighty, 
Hold  me  with  Thy  powerful  hand ; 

Bread  of  heaven. 
Feed  me  till  I  want  no  more. 

2  Open  Thou  the  crystal  fountain 

Whence  the  healing  streams  do  flow ; 
Let  the  fiery,  cloudy  pillar 

Lead  me  all  my  journey  through : 

Strong  Deliv'rer, 
Be  Thou  still  my  Strength  and  Shield. 

3  When  I  tread  the  verge  of  Jordan, 

Bid  my  anxious  fears  subside ; 
Death  of   death!   and  hell's   destruction! 
Land  m.e  safe  on  Canaan's  side : 

Songs  of  praises 
I  will  ever  give  to  Thee. 


138         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHISM. 

19.  H.  M. 

1  Jehovah  is  our  strength, 

And  He  shall  be  our  song ; 
We  shall  o'ercome  at  length, 

Although  our  foes  be  strong ; 
In  vain  does  Satan  then  oppose, 
The  Lord  is  stronger  than  His  foes. 


2  The  Lord  our  refuge  is, 

And  ever  will  remain; 
Since  He  hath  made  us  His, 

He  will  our  cause  maintain : 
In  vain  our  enemies  oppose, 
The  God  is  stronger  than  His  foes. 


The  Lord  our  portion  is, 

What  can  we  wish  for  more? 

As  long  as  we  are  His, 
We  never  can  be  poor : 

In  vain  do  earth  and  hell  oppose, 

The  God  is  stronger  than  His  foes. 


The  Lord  our  Shepherd  is, 
He  knows  our  ev'ry  need ; 

And  since  we  now  are  His, 
His  care  our  souls  will  feed : 

In  vain  do  sin  and  death  oppose. 

The  God  is  stronger  than  His  foes. 


)  Our  God  our  Father  is. 

Our  names  are  on  His  heart ; 

We  ever  shall  be  His, 

He  ne'er  from  us  will  part: 

In  vain  the  world  and  flesh  oppose. 

The  God  is  stronger  than  His  foes. 


HYMNS.  139 

20.  6s  &  4s. 

1  Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee ! 
E'en  though  it  be  a  cross 

That  raiseth  me; 
Still  all  my  song  shall  be, 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee! 

2  Though  like  the  wanderer, 

The  sun  gone  down, 
Darkness  be  over  me, 

My  rest  a  stone ; 
Yet  in  my  dreams  I'd  be 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee ! 

3  There  let  the  way  appear 

Steps  unto  heaven; 
All  that  Thou  sendest  me 

In  mercy  given; 
Angels  to  beckon  me 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee ! 

4  Then  with  my  waking  thoughts 

Bright  with  Thy  praise. 
Out  of  my  stony  griefs 

Bethel  I'll  raise; 
So  by  my  woes  to  be 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee! 

5  Or  if  on  joyful  wing 

Cleaving  the  sk\'. 
Sun,  moon,  and  stars  forgot, 

Upwards  I  fly, 
Still  all  my  songs  shall  be, 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee ! 


140         LUTHER'S  SMALL  CATECHLSM. 

21.  ^  C.  M. 

1  My  God,  accept  my  heart  this  day, 

y\nd  make  it  always  Thine, 
That  I  from  Thee  no  more  may  stray, 
No  more  from  Thee  decline. 

2  Before  the  Cross  of  Him  who  died, 

Behold,  I  prostrate  fall ; 

Let  every  sin  be  crucified, 

Let  Christ  be  all  in  all ! 

3  Anoint  me  with  Thy  heavenly  grace, 

Adopt  me  for  Thine  own ; 
That  I  may  see  Thy  glorious  face, 
And  worship  at  Thy  throne. 

4  Let  every  thought  and  work,  and  word, 

To  Thee  be  ever  given : 
Then  life  shall  be  Thy  service.  Lord, 
And  death  the  gate  of  heaven. 

22.  _  Ss  7s  4s 

1  Saviour,  like  a  Shepherd  lead  us. 

Much  we  need  Thy  tend'rest  care ; 
In  Thy  pleasant  pastures  feed  us, 
For  our  use  Thy  folds  prepare ; 

Blessed  Jesus, 
Thou  hast  bought  us,  Thine  we  are. 

2  Thou  hast  promised  to  receive  us, 

Poor  and  sinful  though  we  be ; 
Thou  hast  mercy  to  relieve  us, 

Grace  to  cleanse,  and  power  to   free; 

Blessed  Jesus, 
Let  us  early  turn  to  Thee. 

3  Early  let  us  seek  Thy  favor. 

Early  let  us  do  Thy  will ; 
Blessed  Lord  and  only  Saviour, 
With  Thy  love  our  bosoms  fill : 

Blessed  Jesus, 
Thou  hast  loved  us,  love  us  still.  20M-'34 


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